‘Teachers Are Still Underpaid’

The Montserrado County Teachers Association is pleading with President George Manneh Weah to allocate more incentives to help teachers enhance their work.  The request by the MCTA comes when teachers observed World Teachers Day, on Tuesday, October 5.

"We work without any incentives to enhance our work in government schools," said Magdalene Brown, Acting President, MCTA. "Let it be made known to this present government, headed by President Weah, who identifies with good education, especially in public schools to please do more for teachers."

She said due to the deployable conditions of teachers, most of them use their salaries and accomplishments and after 15-20 years of service, they have nothing tangible to show to their families and the public, thus paving the way for young people to despise the profession.

"They consider us as struggling people, but let me make it known today that we are a group of very important people in society. Please Mr. President, whilst you lead our country, look at the labor package for teachers in Liberia and leave your own adjustment so that teachers can forever remember you." Madam Brown added.

She encouraged her colleagues to work harder as they pleaded with the Weah administration to increase their salaries. "So, teachers, as we wait for God to work for us through this current leadership, let us keep the courage and work harder."

Every year on October 5, the world celebrates teachers to highlight the responsibilities, rights, and values of teachers. More than 100 nations, including India, the United States, Canada, Australia, and the Philippines, mark the day with zeal. The day honors teachers all around the world for their important role in their countries’ economic development by providing education that enhances people’s quality of life.

UNESCO introduced World Teachers’ Day in 1994 to draw attention to teachers’ contributions and achievements, as well as to teachers’ concerns and objectives in education. The date of October 5 was chosen as the international day to honor teachers since it was on that date in 1966 that a special intergovernmental meeting accepted the UNESCO Recommendation on the Status of Teachers.

 
The theme of this year's celebration is, ‘Teachers at the Heart of Education Recovery.’

It recognizes teachers for their tireless efforts to keep teaching even during hardships like COVID-19 Pandemic.
The day brings attention to the numerous issues surrounding teachers’ recruitment, training, and education.

The day is significant in terms of overcoming these difficulties and marking their progress. World Teachers’ Day also sheds focus on teachers’ working conditions and job prospects across the world, as well as the ways in which they are discriminated against.

The event took place at JNC Howard Kindergarten School, Paynesville Joe Bar, under the theme: "Celebrating teachers- We see you, value you, and applaud you."

The Montserrado association honored 8 teachers from Careysbury and Paynesville. Serving as a guest speaker, Victoria Harris of the Elizabeth Tubman Memorial Institute lauded her peers for their frantic efforts amid the pandemic.

"In the face of the COVID-19, I have visited many classrooms where our teachers prepare our students for the future," she said. "I have been impressed by the interactions I saw between our teachers and their students."

Madam Harris recalling the difficulties COVID-19 has  posed globally said "In spite of the potential barriers the pandemic posed to classroom communication presented by face masks and plastic shields, our teachers have displayed a love and concern for their students and have inspired me."

"You are innovative and creative," Madam Harris described the teachers. “You were finding new ways to deliver your lessons under these challenging circumstances."

Martin F. Kamara, who spoke on behalf of the honorees, thanked the MNTA for recognizing the significant work that they are doing.

"Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ came as a teacher; this is why teachers are the most important people. Even the president and the best doctors were trained by teachers," he says.

Meanwhile, Rev. Harrison Darwolor, County Educational Officer, Ministry of Education said instructors should be teachers for their important role played in human lives.

"Teachers' roles are enormous, unique, valuable, and persistent. As a result, the world depends on our profession, that's the courage you have. We are so important as teachers. We are the gateway to life and development. "