BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
SOLOMON Islands Minister for Education and Human Resources Development, Honourable Lanelle Tanaganda paid rich tributes to all teachers in the county.
Marking this year’s Word Teachers Day on the Theme ‘Transformation of Education Begins with Teachers’ today at the SMI compound, West of Honiara, the minister acknowledges the incredible challenges and hard work that teachers faced over the years in various capacities to help young children grow and learn.
“I wish to extend my ministry’s greetings to all teachers and thank them for their service.
“Despite the challenges, teachers work hard in various capacities to help young children grow and learn.
“We honored the educators for your dedication not only during critical error but in everyday challenges for shaping the future generations of this country.
“This year’s theme does not only recognize the role of teachers as transforming education but it also highlights to celebrate the tireless efforts of teachers,” she reminded local teachers attending today’s annual world teachers day celebration in Honiara.
She said as a Minister of Education, she highly appreciates the role of teachers and their contribution to education in the country.
“May I acknowledge the tireless efforts of all teachers who have gone the extra mile in innovation, and sacrificed their time and commitment to ensure students learn.
“Not only have this but the leadership and response you have shown during the trying times to continue supporting the children of this country in their education are remarkable.
“May I wish you all teachers a very happy celebration and happy international world teacher’s day 2022, God bless our teachers and the Solomon Islands,” she said.
Hon Tanaganda noted that her ministry likes to significantly recognize the tremendous effort teachers have shown to ensure learning happens in the classroom, especially during the pandemic.
She said that education is and will continue to be the top priority for the government.
“The DCCGA government implemented facilities and ongoing projects which include, education bill 2022, curriculum development project, senior secondary education improvement project, and professional development project.
“Thus, my ministry through teachers will play a significant role in sharing the implementation of these activities project engagement,” she said.
She pointed out that while the number of schools and teachers in the country has significantly increased over the years, teachers management issues, managing approximately 11, 000 plus has continued to be the major challenge for her ministry.
“As a result, we have recently introduced to the education authorities the new education management information system to better support and manage teachers’ employment issues.
“Work has been done and hopefully education authorities starts the system early next year 2023. At this juncture and on behalf of my ministry I would like to officially announce that a special award will be given to the best teacher every five years during the world teacher’s day event.
“This will coincide with the international five-year education action plan of MEHRD and in terms of the five years in which teachers who wish to compete for the award will be developed and we hope to introduce the best teacher of Solomon islands starting 2024,’’ Hon. Tanaganda said.
