Retiring teachers urge others to be committed to profession

By ELIAS LARI
TEACHING is a noble career and those willing to become teachers must be committed because they are the ones who determine the future of this country, a senior teachers says.
Three senior teachers from the St Mary’s Ulga Primary School in Tambul-Nebilyer, Western Highlands, reflected on this as they look to retire after decades of loyal service.
The teachers are Alois Duvie, 65, from Western Highlands, his wife Joanne, 70, from East New Britain and Theresia Puri 69, from Western Highlands.
All have given more than 40 years of their lives to teaching.
They said teachers must have a vision to see the result of their work.
Duvie said he had been teaching for 44 years and was proud of his contribution to developing and nurturing boys and girls to be the country’s leaders, workers and professionals.
He said every teacher needed to be proud that they were helping to mold the country’s future leaders.
“We play an important role for the country through moulding and developing the human resource,” Duvie said.
“The Government and the people are looking at us because they know that education is the backbone for the country.”
His wife, Joanne, said since choosing teaching as a career, she faced many challenges, but had pressed on because she was dealing with young lives.
She said educating a child was educating the nation and teachers needed to appreciate that they were playing a key role for the country.
“Teaching for 44 years has made me a happy teacher because I have trained and produced many workers for my country,” Joanne said.
Puri, who has been teaching for 46 years, said teaching was like planting a seed, watering it, allowing it enough sunlight and providing enough care for it to bear fruit.
“We are the foundation of the country and I’m encouraging upcoming teachers and those in this field to be committed and set a goal to help students achieve their potential,” he said.
“First, you must know that students in your classroom look upon you to train and teach them.
“Your effort to bring them up will determine their future.”
Puri urged teachers to perform with a willing heart and give their best for the country.
“Whatever you plant now will be harvested by your children in future,” he said.