Every year on 5 October people across the globe celebrate World Teachers' Day to raise awareness, understanding and appreciation for the contribution teachers make to education and development. 

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Education on the campus in Mahikeng celebrated this important day with their final-year education students on 4 October 2019.

The theme for this year’s World Teachers’ Day was "Young Teachers: The future of the Profession”.

Dr Itumeleng Molale, an NWU academic and a former head of the North West Department of Education, was the keynote speaker at the event.

Dr Molale said teachers play an essential part to develop students to spread their wings and take to the skies.

“You are about to start as a full-time teacher within the next few months. It’s your call now to become a dynamic and quality teacher,” said Dr Molale.

“You need to start to develop a personal vision for development and service to humanity – do not get distracted. You cannot be a teacher of quality if you do not invest in your personal development. You should always improve your value through hard work and reading.”

Chairperson of the Education Student Council Amogelang Mokonyane also addressed the students, and said that teachers are the building blocks of the society.

“Young teachers are the future of the profession. Today we celebrate the men and women who thrive, often under difficult conditions, to ensure that teaching and learning becomes a reality,” said Amogelang.

The final-year students were also invited to make presentations on what they think an ideal teacher is.

 Dr Itumeleng Molale addresses the audience during the recent World Teachers’ Day celebrations at the NWU.