Last Friday, Matlala Junior Secondary School (JSS) in Tlokweng did just that – they organised an event to honour their teachers and support staff. This gesture is truly commendable, as teachers occupy a pivotal role in the lives of our children.
To be completely candid, teachers are the ones who shape our children from a very tender age, investing a significant amount of time in their growth and development. It's not uncommon to hear parents playfully counting down the days until school reopens during holidays, eagerly anticipating the return of their children to the capable hands of their teachers.
While some parents may jest about this, there's a kernel of truth in their sentiments. It's a well-known fact that some parents have somewhat outsourced the responsibility of moulding their young ones to teachers, inadvertently neglecting their roles as parents. Matlala JSS took the admirable step of recognising their teachers for their outstanding performance in equipping students with the knowledge they need to transition from childhood to responsible adulthood, where they can make meaningful contributions to the growth of our nation.
For our children to flourish and realise their full potential, they require a nurturing environment. This is precisely why teachers consistently appeal to parents to join them as partners in shaping the future leaders of our society. Although teachers encounter numerous challenges, some go the extra mile out of love for our children, ensuring that these challenges do not hinder our children's futures. Teachers truly deserve our appreciation daily, and waiting for Teachers' Day to honour them is simply insufficient. During the event, which took place at Cresta Lodge, Bame Moremong, the head of Corporate Affairs and Brand Marketing at Standard Chartered Botswana, delivered a keynote address. She emphasised that teachers should not remain in the shadows but should receive well-deserved recognition for their vital roles.
"When a student does well in class and gets good marks, students are celebrated every time, but we do not celebrate teachers and that thing should change," Moremong noted.
The significance of the roles teachers play in our lives cannot be overstated. Every one of us has benefited from the guidance and mentorship of numerous teachers who have made a profound impact on who we are today. Recognition is a crucial element in motivating individuals. Simply acknowledging the outstanding work that someone is doing can be motivation in itself. The act of bestowing tokens of appreciation adds an extra layer of sweetness to this acknowledgement. Matlala JSS, we salute your initiative and we hope that other schools will follow suit, setting aside a day to acknowledge and honour the best performers in their schools.
