Honour the noble profession

Nothing is more important than education

October 5th is recognised globally as the Teachers’ Day. Being a teacher myself I am delighted to touch on this subject. It is an amasing experience that cannot be erased from memory. It is an undisputed fact that the teachers play a dominant role in imparting education. Teaching is nothing new or strange.

It was in existence from time immemorial. It has a long record of history and a proud tradition of serving the humanity. Teachers create nations in literal sense. They are the key to the outstanding success of humans who form the nation and the country. It is they who create the path for glorifying a nation. They have a great duty and a life long responsibility towards a nation. Theirs is the most important contribution to the learning world.

In the annals of history during the era of royalty, teacher was a prominent figure playing a vital role in learning. In Asian civilisation and Indu-Lankan culture, teachers refered to as ‘Guru’ were revered and respected very much in society.

The history of the Guru runs back to the era of Disapamok, the unique teacher and ‘Thaksala’ the centre of learning held in high esteem headed by the Guru. It was a magnificent seat of learning meant for the royalty and the elite. The history of learning begins there.

Then in Sri Lanka, the centre of learning was the temple where they started writing on a board of sand (Weli Pila) over the years Buddhism made a substantial contribution to the language and education. With the passage of time the island became a victim of imperialism.

Swabasha Policy

The Western powers utilised the language to spread their religion and the missionary education featured prominently in the island history to be very brief English became the language of the elite with Swabasha Policy in the immediate post independence era, the vernacular teachers were much recognised.

With free education they went deep into the educational structure. With the development process, in the field of education considering the challenges of the new era the teacher became all the more important.

Now the focus of progress has shifted to English, which has become a world language, considered as the main medium of access to universal knowledge and international relations. Consequently there is a growing awareness among the students and parents on the need for more English and better English realising that it is indispensable for a career oriented education.

With the advent of international schools a new breed of teachers have emerged to equip the students to suit the modern era. This has become a key factor to generate lot of enthusiasm among the present lot to work hard for a brighter future. It is interesting to note that the authorities are making encouraging progress to equip them better providing them with the exposure needed.

Education

Coming back to the teachers’ role, they have a gigantic task ahead with changing times. Modern life demands the highest possible education from the citizens. “Education is the greatest gift that a country can bequeath its citizens. It is the key to personal growth, economic and political enfranchisement.

Sri Lanka’s development owes much to the importance its people have attached to education” are the words, expressed by Terry White, the Public Affairs Officer, Embassy of the U.S.A., who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest at the trained teachers convocation ceremony of Academy of Professional Studies, affiliated to Sujatha Vidyalaya held at BMICH last year.

He had been a teacher himself for 18 years before joining the diplomatic service, he emphatically said. Hence it is evident that the benefits the students derive are many from teachers in their contribution towards education. Education remains a precious heritage. It is from the teacher that the love of learning is gained.

It is by the teachers that the foundation is laid for them to grow up in society as true, responsible citizens. Their spirit of service is manifested in many ways. They develop the skills, talents, capabilities and the creativity of the students.

They play a significant role in extra-curricular activities which is well highlighted in the day to day activities. Teachers and students shares a great bond. They work hard and they have always stood by the students and vice versa. They are always showered with the blessings of the teachers. This amasing communication always help them to understand each other. Ultimately they make a tremendous impact on the future lives of the students.

It is with pride that we recall the early system of education and the valuable service rendered by the teacher. All old pupils have a high regard for their teachers so much so that many do say, that they are, what they are today, due to the passionate devotion and dedication of their teachers to the profession.

There are teachers who make this subjects they teach, truly fascinating. Their lessons are very interesting and enjoyable. Any subject handled by such teachers become their favourite mainly due to taking a personal interest in the subject. They have a particular praise for the quality of the stuff presented by them.

Yet another reason for their popularity is their punctuality, their pre-preparation to deliver a perfect lesson, with a thorough knowledge of the subject concerned. They are teachers who believe in the honest performance of their duties. They are teachers par-excellence and a pride to the profession. Pupils all respect, honour and venerate such teachers.

My mind goes back to the days that we were students. To those of us who had the good fortune of learning under teachers whom you could call superb, brought light of our lives.

It is they who let us see success in our exams and shaped our future. With their superior wisdom and wealth of knowledge and experience, subject matter was instilled into us directing all their energy towards our well-being. Some deserve to be mentioned as walking Encyclopedias.

I remember them with deep gratitude on this day. We would be failing in our duty if we the beneficiaries do not acknowledge the mammoth task of our devoted teachers who toiled hard, particularly in our higher education.

In the present context the teachers face a huge challenge from modern times. The basic education prevalent in older days is no longer adequate for the present. Gone are the days when students (overage) used to leave with O Level or the S.S.C. as was then called and be satisfied with it for a successful livelihood, not knowing what the future holds for them.

Today the teachers are made responsible for excellent student performance, recognising and promoting their inherent competencies. They are the ones answerable for the quality and extent of the student learning.

Best for children

With changing times, to most parents today, nothing is more important than education and they dream of providing the best for their children and they yearn for teachers who teach well. However the country needs to organise with special emphasis laid on good teaching.

A person could be called a teacher, only after gaining certain qualifications. Teachers like in any other profession falls into different categories, according to qualifications which is too wide a subject to be dealt with here. If the aims and objectives of a teacher is to produce a perfect citizen, qualifications, knowledge and skills and the quality of the teacher should be improved to offer the maximum service. The efficiency of the teacher lay in the quality and facilities provided. The authorities should implement a national programme.

Gratitude

There need to be a National Teachers’ Policy in an effort to build the best teacher network enabling them to be of the best possible service. They should have a clear understanding of the methods of teaching. Workshops, seminars and discussions could be conducted to this effect.

To enable those already in service to gain, more learning and training and experience well designed courses in their relevant field of study should be offered. The special attention paid to quality education would undoubtedly enhance their professional competencies and their personality development as teachers.

Any account on the role of the teacher and the facilities provided, will not be completed without the mention of the Teachers’ Day held nowadays. Students anxiously look forward to this day. This day is perhaps the most sincere way of expressing their love and gratitude to the deserving teachers for the exemplary service rendered.

The students are well aware of the fact that the teachers are the ones behind their success, that the teachers have nurtured them not only with knowledge but also skills and other essentials leading to future careers. There are many teachers who deserve recognition and veneration. But the same cannot be said of everyone. However this day is set apart for them to honour the teachers, celebrate and enjoy.

The students do rejoice the occasion in high spirits with thrill and joy organising programmes praising the service of the teachers. May the teachers be blessed with the love, kindness and protection of Mother Lanka.