ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has stressed the need for improving country’s education system by investing in teachers capacity building and professional development.

“We need to set standards for teachers’ recruitment, continuous education, training, and certification,” said President Zardari in his message on World Teacher’s Day, being celebrated on Saturday (today).

“Today, we are observing World Teachers’ Day to celebrate the contributions of teachers in shaping our future generations,” he said and added that teachers were the architects of any society as they help nurture young minds.

“Capable teachers inculcate critical thinking, creativity, and ethical values in their students, helping them become responsible and productive citizens. They should help in the moral development of students by promoting ethical values, love, tolerance, mutual respect and brotherhood,” he said.

President Zardari said: “On this day, we also acknowledge the challenges being faced by teachers, including inadequate training and lack of professional development opportunities. There is a dire need to equip our teachers with the tools to successfully fulfil their responsibilities,” he said.

Mr Zardari said that a comprehensive monitoring and performance evaluation system is essential to improving the educational outcomes of our schools.

“We also need to provide a better working environment to teachers so that they can discharge their duties with commitment. The experiences of the teachers could also be very useful in improving our education system. We believe that a workforce of well-trained and respected teachers is essential for building a more civilized and educated society,” he said.

“On this day, let us reaffirm our commitment to empowering our teachers and ensuring that they receive the respect, support, and recognition they deserve. Let’s commit to improving our education system by investing in the capacity building and professional development of our teachers,” President Zardari said.

Meanwhile, Chairman Senate and Speaker National Assembly also issued statements on teachers day.

In his message, Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani expressed deep appreciation for the invaluable contributions of teachers to society. He emphasised on the critical role teachers play in shaping the future by imparting knowledge, instilling values, and guiding students toward personal and academic growth.

He highlighted the importance of providing teachers with the resources and support necessary for fulfilling their duties, recognizing the challenges they face in today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape. Gilani also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to improving the status of teachers, ensuring their well-being, and acknowledging their pivotal role in nation-building.

Meanwhile, Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq called upon the nation to celebrate and appreciate the profound impact that teachers have on individuals and the nation as a whole.

While honoring their remarkable contributions he stated, teachers do not just impart knowledge but also teach and nurture students to become responsible citizens and productive members of the workforce, he said.

“Teachers impart wisdom and instill ethics in their students often amidst challenging circumstances”, he added. The Speaker NA expressed these views on the eve of World Teacher’s Day, which is celebrated annually on October 5th around the globe, under the auspices of the United Nations.

The Speaker emphasized the religious & cultural teachings that underscore the respect and reverence owed to teachers. He stated, “Teaching is not merely a profession; it is a noble cause.” He further stated that, great ambition & devotion is required to guide the youth in discerning right from wrong and in turn enabling them to make decisions that affect not just their lives, but also the fabric of our nation and the world. Speaker Sadiq while urging the nation to honour the educators in Pakistan stated, “Giving teachers the rightful place in society is essential for promoting education in the country.” Deputy Speaker NA Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah, in his message, paid rich tribute to teachers and stated, Islam has declared teachers as spiritual parents, therefore, it is incumbent upon us to honour them.

Published in Dawn, October 5th, 2024