Educators honoured across the province

NICE marka World Teachers Day by holding a seminar highlighting that teachers should get better salaries.

KARACHI: Teachers must be provided better salaries as they act as a “catalyst for human growth and development”, speakers said at a discussion organised by the Newport Institute of Communication and Economics (NICE) to mark World Teachers Day on Tuesday.

Addressing the seminar on “Recovery begins with a teacher”, NICE director Dr Huma Bukhari said, “We can honour teachers best by giving them decent working conditions as they prepare the younger generation to become responsible citizens, equipped with the knowledge and skills to shape a sustainable future.” She maintained that supporting teachers in a “post-crisis situation” was an “investment in peace and development”.

Meanwhile, Sindh education reforms support unit vice-chairperson Sharmila Farooqui said, “We should avail this opportunity to commend the endeavours of teachers, especially women who work in risky conditions.” She said that whenever communities face hardship, teachers are immediately present on the frontline to help promote recovery.

While lauding the role of teachers during the flood, Farooqui said teachers provide continuity and reassurance during natural disasters. “They provide a much-needed psycho-social support to the youth who have witnessed extreme violence, or have survived the destruction of their homes and the loss of their family.”

In Hyderabad, it was also a day of rallies. Scores of people belonging to different teachers’ organisations along with a marching band walked from Gol Building Government High School to the press club to observe the day. Teachers said they play an important role in uplifting society as they eradicate illiteracy.

Meanwhile, a World Teachers’ Day gathering was organised by the National Commission for Human Development and the education department in Larkana.

Additional reporting by Agencies

Published in The Express Tribune, October 6^th, 2010.