Uguro pays tribute to teachers

EDUCATION Minister Jimmy Uguro has paid tribute to teachers around the country and acknowledged them as an important asset in society.
In his World Teachers’ Day message on Tuesday, he recognised the role and importance of the development of students and society “this special group of people” played.
“Our role in education is a very important one as lack of education causes poverty and slows economic development for our young country,” Uguro said. “Education is very important because it is a primary need of any individual.
“Every child, boy or girl, should have the right to quality education so that they can have a chance at a better in life.”
World Teachers’ Day is held annually on Oct 5 to celebrate all teachers around the globe.
According to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco), World Teachers’ Day represents a significant token of the awareness, understanding and appreciation displayed for the vital contribution that teachers make to education and development.
Uguro said the Government had put education as its number one priority and wanted to leave no child behind.
“Teachers are an extremely important asset for any society,” he said.
“They are the ones who educate the youth of society, who in turn become the leaders of the next generation and play an important role in developing their country. Teachers educate children in their most impressionable years, which stay with them children for the rest of their lives.
“Teachers are the real nation builders.
“They enrich young generations of children so that the future is a safe, secure and great place to live in.
Uguro said training and development of teachers would continue to be a core priority for the Government.
Papua New Guinea currently has more than 65,000 teachers. “As the student population increases with better access to learning, we will ensure that there are enough quality teachers, trained in the relevant fields, wherever required to meet the student needs,” Uguro said.
“That means offering high-quality training to more students in teachers colleges and offering existing teachers professional development and the chance to upgrade their knowledge and skills must occur.”