Call for unity to help promote quality education
01.10.2009
Teachers, parents and community have been called on to work together to bring about quality education in the country’s schools.
The appeal came from principal secretary for education Jeanne Simeon in her opening speech to launch the 2009 Teachers’ Week and the 10th anniversary of the National Institute of Education (NIE).
The ceremony was held yesterday at the NIE in the presence of director for schools Merida Delcy, director for resource planning and management Odile Octave, NIE director Alex Souffe and other ministry officials.
Also attending the launch were Gilbert Rignace, a former member of staff of the Teacher Training College, National Human Resources Development Council chief executive Christian Cafrine, heads of educational institutions, staff of the NIE, headteachers, teachers and students.
Mrs Simeon said the theme for this year’s Teachers’ Week – Teachers working together with parents and the community for quality education – is calling for effective parental and community involvement in education.
“Schools, community and parents are reminded that as true partners they must continue to play an active role for the betterment of their educational institutions, community and country,” she said.
She added that the theme fits well with our national theme Koste Seselwa (Come Together Seychellois), and with the support of parents and the community better results will be achieved. She called on teachers to reach out and make them partners in the teaching and learning process.
Talking about Teachers’ Day, she said it is a time to recognise the central role teachers play in helping children, youths and adults in their lifelong learning process. Teachers and educators should reflect on this role, she added.
Mrs Simeon also stressed the leading role the NIE plays in providing schools with qualified teachers and ensuring their continuous professional development.
She said the NIE is preparing to become one of the schools of the University of Seychelles, as the School of Education, she added.
“Teacher education will take on a new dimension with Seychelles offering country-based initial degree qualifications to our teachers,” said Mrs Simeon.
“This will help to reduce the increasing demand for qualified teachers in educational institutions.”
Since the beginning of this year, the NIE and schools have been taking part in a Commonwealth of Learning open schooling project, which will lead to the development of programmes for secondary schools. These resources will help both teachers and students, Mrs Simeon added.
She ended by thanking all past and present staff members of the Teacher Training College, the School of Education and the NIE for their hard work and dedication. A special mention was made of Mr Rignace for his devotion and long service to teaching.
A variety of activities have been planned for Teachers’ Week and will include the official opening of the Baie Lazare primary school, a blood donation session, an award presentation ceremony and celebrations at school level. These events will end with a forum on the week’s theme, which will be broadcast on television.
NIE lecturer Genevieve André presented a short reflection in which she said the theme for Teachers’ Week echoes a call for unity.
She talked about quality education and said parents and the community are critical to students’ education.
There was also a PowerPoint presentation of the 10 years of the NIE, showing the pioneers and paying tribute to those who paved the way for the transition of teacher training.
Mrs Simeon then presented certificates of recognition to teaching and non-teaching staff for their 10 years of service.
An exhibition showcasing Mr Rignace’s paintings was set up in the NIE cafeteria for guests to view. The theme for the exhibits was: Appreciating the past, acknowledging the present, accessing the future.