Celebrating our teachers on World Teachers' Day!

Teachers are the glue that holds society together. They manage to educate our kids, discipline them, and even teach them life lessons... all while keeping a smile on their faces (well, most of the time). As a parent of a 7-year-old daughter at Laerskool Louw Geldenhuys, I’m constantly amazed at the patience and dedication of her teachers, especially as they teach her Afrikaans when she was brought up English, a language she’s mastering much quicker than me! So, as we celebrate World Teachers' Day, I want to give a special shout-out to all the South African teachers who go above and beyond. #4real

World Teachers' Day, observed on October 5th, is an international event established by UNESCO to recognize the crucial role that teachers play in society. The day was first celebrated in 1994 and commemorates the 1966 UNESCO/ILO Recommendation on the status of teachers. It serves as a global reminder to appreciate teachers and address the challenges they face worldwide. From South Africa to South Korea, teachers are celebrated for their contributions to society. However, it's worth noting that while October 5th is the global day, some countries celebrate their national Teachers' Day on different dates. For example:

• India celebrates on September 5th.
• The USA and Canada celebrate on the first Tuesday of May.
• China observes Teachers' Day on September 10th.

But for us in South Africa, today is probably the best day to recognize the heroes who dedicate their lives to shaping future generations... while they are still in class today. Here in South Africa, no school over weekends.

Teaching in South Africa isn’t for the faint of heart. Whether in urban settings like Laerskool Louw Geldenhuys or rural schools, educators face many challenges. While I’ve personally watched my daughter’s teachers tackle the job with grace, I know there’s a lot going on behind the scenes. Here are just a few of the challenges that South African teachers face daily:

• Overcrowded Classrooms: Teachers here often deal with large classes, sometimes with over 40 students. That’s like managing a mini-riot on a daily basis except... the kids are learning fractions, and every question starts with "but whyyyyyyyy?".
• Under-resourced Schools: Not all schools are created equal. Many in rural areas don’t have access to the basic resources we take for granted. Imagine trying to teach science without a laboratory or textbooks, yet somehow these teachers pull it off. Maybe the teachers themselves are the real science experiment here?!
• Safety and Well-being: In some parts of the country, safety is a real concern. Teachers have to act as peacekeepers, mentors, and sometimes emotional counselors to students dealing with difficult home lives. It’s more than just teaching... it’s a full-on superhero job.

Despite these challenges, South African teachers push through and remain dedicated to their students. Teachers at schools like Laerskool Louw Geldenhuys are shaping the future leaders of our country, whether that’s in Afrikaans, English, or isiXhosa. But why should we celebrate them more?

• Shaping the Future: Teachers are responsible for molding future generations. It’s not just about helping kids pass exams; they’re preparing the doctors, engineers, and leaders who will shape South Africa.
• Resilience and Adaptability: From adapting to the challenges of load-shedding to embracing online teaching during the pandemic, South African teachers have shown incredible resilience. In fact, they’re the true multitasking masters, juggling lessons, safety protocols, and often a lack of resources.
• Community Role Models: In many communities, teachers are more than just educators. They become role models, mentors, and sometimes the only stable figure in a child's life. My daughter talks about her teacher like she’s the coolest and smartest person on the planet... and I can’t say I disagree.

To celebrate World Teachers' Day, it’s important to highlight a few incredible stories of South African teachers who have gone above and beyond:

• The Rural Innovator: In Limpopo, a teacher created a makeshift classroom using old scrap materials when the school's infrastructure couldn't accommodate the students. This innovative solution led to a 30% increase in student pass rates!
• The Urban Mentor: In Johannesburg, one teacher founded an after-school coding club. With no formal tech training, they learned alongside their students and now run one of the most successful student coding programs in the area. ITWeb Article HERE
• The Advocate for Equality: In the Western Cape, a teacher spearheaded an initiative to make her school more accessible for students with disabilities, ensuring that every child has equal access to education.

As a proud parent, I have to give a personal shout-out to the incredible teachers at Laerskool Louw Geldenhuys. Watching my daughter thrive in an Afrikaans-speaking environment has been a rewarding experience, even though sometimes I feel like I’m the one getting schooled. (Who knew 7-year-olds were so good at correcting your pronunciation of "Goeie môre"?) The dedication of her teachers is evident not only in her growing love for learning but also in how she’s becoming more independent and confident each day.

Want to make a difference in the lives of South African teachers? Here are a few simple ways to show your support on World Teachers' Day and beyond:

• Advocate for Better Pay and Working Conditions: Teachers deserve better salaries for the incredible work they do. Pushing for improved pay and conditions will help retain talented teachers in the system. #4real
• Donate to Educational Causes: Donating to organizations that support teacher training or school supplies can make a huge difference.
• Show Appreciation: Sometimes, the simplest way to support a teacher is just by saying, "Thank you!" I know my daughter’s teachers at Laerskool Louw Geldenhuys lights up when parents acknowledge her hard work. It makes her want to do more. #justsaying

On this World Teachers' Day, let's not just celebrate the teachers at Laerskool Louw Geldenhuys, but all teachers across South Africa and the globe. They are the unsung heroes, working tirelessly to educate, mentor, and guide our children. Whether they’re teaching complex math problems, navigating load-shedding, or simply being a shoulder to cry on, Teachers deserve our respect and support. So here’s to you, teachers... you’re shaping our future one lesson at a time. Thank you!