The Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC) is pleased to join all teachers worldwide in commemorating World Teachers’ Day, which falls on October 5th. We are glad that the government of the Republic of Zambia through the Ministry of Education has rescheduled this year’s World Teachers’ Day celebration from Saturday 5th October, to Friday, 4th October, 2024 to ensure full participation by all stakeholders. This day is dedicated to celebrating all our educators in public schools, community schools, grant-aided schools and private schools in our early childhood education centres, primary schools, secondary schools, tertiary institutions, and adult literacy centres. World Teachers’ Day is special because it serves as a reminder of the vital role teachers play in the education and skills sector. It is an opportunity to celebrate how teachers are transforming our society while also reflecting on the support they need to fully realize their potential.
This year’s World Teachers’ Day theme “Valuing Teacher Voices: Towards a New Social Contract for Education” focuses on recognising and appreciating teachers’ voices. This theme highlights the need to address the systemic challenges teachers face and establish a more inclusive dialogue about their role in education. It also underscores the urgency of calling for and attending to teachers’ voices to address their challenges and, most importantly, to acknowledge and benefit from the expert knowledge and contributions they make to education.
As ZANEC, we recognize the urgent need to transform the teaching profession into a more attractive and valued career in our country. We take this opportunity to advocate for a dignified and respected teaching profession. To achieve this transformation, it is crucial that we actively listen to teachers and incorporate their insights into decision-making processes that concern them. Through fostering an environment where teachers feel respected and empowered, we can create a supportive framework that enhances their ability to inspire and educate effectively. The education system, communities, and families have to recognise, appreciate and actively support teachers as they are key to meaningful social and human development because of the pivotal role they play. This World Teachers’ Day therefore serves as a reminder that when we value and invest in our teachers, we not only uplift the profession but also enrich the educational experience for all learners.
Together, we can pave the way for a brighter future in education, where every teacher is recognized as a vital contributor to the success of our learners and society as a whole.
Therefore, ZANEC is of the considered view that it is important to implement fully the International Labour Organisation (ILO)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Recommendations concerning the Status of Teachers that were adopted in 1966. Among other recommendations includes:-
- All aspects of the preparation and employment of teachers should be free from any form of discrimination on grounds of race, colour, sex, religion, political opinion, national or social origin, or economic condition.
- Working conditions for teachers should be such as will best promote effective learning and enable teachers to concentrate on their professional tasks.
- Teachers’ organizations should be recognized as a force which can contribute greatly to educational advancement and which therefore should be associated with the determination of educational policy.
In line with this year’s theme, ZANEC also calls on the government:
- To create inclusive platforms where teachers can participate in shaping educational policies. Involving teachers in decision-making processes ensures that we develop policies that reflect the realities of both teachers and learners.
- To continue providing platforms for training and professional development opportunities for all teachers, which are essential for enhancing their skills.
- To ensure competitive remuneration, decent accommodation, and good conditions of service for teachers. This is vital for attracting more qualified and motivated individuals to the profession, thereby addressing the challenge of teacher shortages.
We take this opportunity to appeal to the Ministry of Education to continue the recruitment of teachers to reduce the high teacher-to-pupil ratio in schools, which will enhance the quality of learner outcomes. Additionally, the Teaching Service Commission must ensure that teachers’ conditions are adequately addressed in both public and private schools, particularly where adherence to labour laws presents challenges.
Finally, ZANEC extends its wishes to all teachers to have a safe, happy, and successful commemoration of the 2024 World Teachers’ Day.
For/ZANEC
George Hamusunga
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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