Statement
STATEMENT BY MINISTER FOR EDUCATION, CULTURE, YOUTH AFFAIRS, FISHERIES AND AGRICULTURE
DR. THE HONOURABLE NATALIO D. WHEATLEY
WORLD TEACHERS DAY
ON TUESDAY 5TH OCTOBER, 2021
Today, October 5th is celebrated as World Teachers’ Day around the world. The theme for this year is “Teachers at the Heart of Education Recovery.” The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) chose this theme for World Teachers' Day and I think it is quite fitting. Today we honour you the educators for your perseverance and dedication during the critical era of the Covid-19 pandemic.
We acknowledge and recognise the work that you do. Teachers are important to our society, the responsibility placed on you to mold the lives of our children and young people of these Virgin Islands cannot be underestimated. You are at the center of teaching and learning. And although you have your own personal matters, dealing with the impact of COVID-19 on your personal life and that of your families, we are relying on you to help our children heal and fill the knowledge gaps suffered during this pandemic period.
It has been a challenging period for all. Teachers, you had to make many adjustments. You had to adapt to protocols and discover new ways to teach and engage students. Teaching and learning online, learning new methods of instructions, completing assessments and this year we are back in the classroom with the capability of working remotely if needed.
Despite the obstacles, you have accomplished amazing things. Every day I see, and I hear of your inventiveness, tenacity, enthusiasm, and strength. As Minister for Education, I am cognizant of the many challenges that educators experience daily. My Government and I will continue to do the best that we can to support your efforts during these changing times.
Teaching is still an esteemed profession. I implore the entire Virgin Islands community to pause and say thank you to the educators. Happy World Teachers Day!
We understand it is important not just to say we appreciate you, but to show you. That is why, in recognition of your hard work, the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture has reached out to the local business community and have asked them to offer teachers discounted rates during teachers’ week and/or during the month of October. Many have responded favourably. You will receive digital coupons either through your V. I. Schools email directly or from your principal. These coupons must be presented at the business to benefit from the discounts.
Also, I will be sponsoring a happy hour for teachers on the four islands for all educators from 4:00 p.m to 6:00p.m on Friday of this week. On Tortola it will be at the Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies, and on the other islands, your principal will inform you of the venues. This is just another small way of saying thanking and showing our appreciation for the hard work that you do.
I cannot forget to mention that you will soon be receiving your $300 to reimburse you for a portion of the personal money you pour into your jobs. Contrary to some false reporting, you can spend this on whatever you like. And of course we are strong advocates for increases in salaries for teachers, and we are looking forward to the salary review commissioned by Cabinet and being undertaken by the Deputy Governors Office via the Human Resources department.
I will end this address with a poem I wrote in honour of our teachers.
Educate
you educate
This life that you dedicate
You lift our hopes
Our spirits just levitate
You transform our world
Bring it to a better
state
You're filled with God's love
You are blessed with faith
Until the day
my lungs won't respirate
I decorate your name
I will celebrate
Your example
One we should emulate
And all the fine qualities
You demonstrate
You are avengers
You literally save the world
You set us free as the breeze
You uncage the bird
You expand our minds
Populate our brains with words
You deserve a crown
For the royal way you serve
You are queens and kings
Look at all the dreams you bring
You believe in kids
You breathe wind
Beneath their wings
You bring the change
You ignite all the children's flame
Simple plain
You deserve the richest gains
You educate
This life that you dedicate
You lift our hopes
Our spirits just levitate
You transform our world
Bring it to a better state
You're filled with God's love
You are blessed with faith
Until the day
my lungs won't respirate
I decorate your name
I will celebrate
Your example
One we should emulate
And all the fine qualities
You demonstrate
Happy Teachers Day!
