Teachers’ Day is a very important event for our nation.  On this special occasion we, the people of Seychelles, honour our teachers. We show appreciation for the immense contributions they make in national development.  

We praise our teachers for their love for our children, for their deep sense of responsibility. We thank them for their patience and devotion. Teachers are noble. They not only teach, but also influence lives.

The significance of their influence on the youths and the important role teachers play in national life cannot be over emphasized. Indeed, one of the most important aspects of any society is the younger generation that represents the future, and the direction that the community will take.  Teachers enrich the younger generation so that their future is secure and enlightened.   

The theme chosen for this year’s Teachers’ Day is “Act Now, Make a Difference”.  It is a most fitting theme at a time when the country is sparing no effort in soliciting the support of all concerned, especially teachers, to help shape the social construct of our community.

It is the teacher who moulds the future of the nation through the process of education.   A teacher’s influence over a child surpasses the expectations of even the parents.  Therefore, teachers, you are being called upon to act now and to enhance your impact on the lives you touch and` the minds you shape.  Your role is a sacred one.

At the threshold of its development, Seychelles faces many challenges as a small island state.  Our  most valuable assets are our human resources.  Seychelles remains committed and will continue to invest in education for the good of all our citizens.  A strong information base and well developed capabilities of comprehension and analysis are critical for progress.

The Seychelles government, through the Ministry of Education, will continue to invest in the training of teachers in the early years of learning as it is important that children have a very good start in life.  The capacity building of teachers will continue in other critical subject areas where we are depending heavily on overseas recruitment.  I would, therefore, like to make an appeal to all those who have the necessary qualifications to join teaching, the noblest of professions.

On the occasion of Teachers’ Day, I would like to urge our nation to continue to hold our teachers in high esteem.  Let us offer them all our support. Their task in this ever changing world is becoming increasingly challenging and daunting by the day.  They need all of us to join hands with them, to help build the new Seychelles, to make a difference.

On behalf of our nation I would like to thank all teachers of Seychelles for their hard work and determination.  The quality of education that we want to offer to our children depends greatly on the investment that the country continues to make in the training of teachers, upgrading of school infrastructures and the quality of learning programmes.  

I wish all our dear teachers happiness, health and prosperity.    

Have a wonderful Teachers’ Day!