President Wavel Ramkalawan, accompanied by First Lady Linda Ramkalawan, presided as Guest of Honour at the 35th Edition of the Teachers Award Ceremony Thursday afternoon. The event, organized by the Ministry of Education took place at the Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort.
It was held in conjunction with International Teachers' Day, and embraced this year's UNESCO theme: "The Teachers We Need for the Education We Want: The Global Imperative to Reverse the Teacher Shortage." The ceremony recognized educators who have dedicated 25 years or more to shaping young minds and celebrated the retirement of several distinguished professionals who have left an indelible mark on the nation's educational landscape.
Among the evening's highlights was a special tribute to Ms. Marie Esther, who was recognized for her remarkable 46 years of dedicated service to the teaching profession. Individual profiles and presentations were delivered in honour of retiring head teachers and the longest-serving retiring educator, acknowledging their exceptional contributions and unwavering commitment to education in Seychelles.
In his opening address, Minister for Education Dr. Justin Valentin expressed profound gratitude for the educators' unwavering dedication to their profession. Echoing UNESCO's global theme, Dr. Valentin emphasized the urgency of addressing the worldwide teacher shortage.
"This theme highlights a pressing global challenge, the shortage of teachers which demands urgent and committed action," Dr. Valentin stated. "It is a call to governments, communities, and partners worldwide to prioritize and strengthen the teaching profession, because the quality of education depends on the strength and support of our educators."
The Minister further articulated his vision for the future of education: "The teachers we need are those who build others, champion diversity, adapt to individual needs, and nurture the whole child. By investing in such educators, we are laying a foundation for a more just, compassionate, inclusive, and capable society."
President Ramkalawan, speaking on behalf of the Government and the people of Seychelles, congratulated the honoured educators and expressed the nation's sincere gratitude for their invaluable contributions. He reflected on the significance of this year's theme as an opportunity for deeper reflection on attracting talented individuals to the teaching profession.
"As we recognize those who have contributed 25 years and above in education, we would like you to know that we admire your devotion, the effort invested, and the love shown towards our children," President Ramkalawan declared. The President extended warm wishes to retiring educators while reaffirming the Government's steadfast commitment to supporting the teaching profession. He urged society to demonstrate greater recognition and respect for teachers, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts to ensure that Seychellois children receive the finest education possible.
The ceremony was enriched with meaningful moments of reflection and personal testimonies from educators, complemented by vibrant musical performances and poetry recitations by both students and teachers.
The Teachers Award Programme reflects the Government of Seychelles' ongoing commitment to recognizing and honouring the dedication of those who shape young minds and build the foundation of the nation's future. Through such recognition, the nation acknowledges that investment in educators is, fundamentally, an investment in the prosperity and development of Seychelles.