In celebration of World Teacher’s Day, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) reminded the public of the critical role that teachers’ play in achieving quality education for all amid COVID-19 pandemic.
(Jansen Romero / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)
In a joint statement issued on Monday by UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore, UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay, and General Secretary Education International David Edwards underscored that this year’s World Teachers’ Day has a greater significance in light of the challenges that the teachers have faced during the pandemic.
"In this crisis, teachers have shown, as they have done so often, great leadership and innovation in ensuring that #LearningNeverStops, that no learner is left behind,” they said.
“Around the world, they have worked individually and collectively to find solutions and create new learning environments for their students to allow education to continue. Their role advising on school reopening plans and supporting students with the return to school is just as important,” they added.
The organizations reported that the COVID-19 pandemic has affected over 63 million teachers, highlighted persistent weaknesses in many education systems, and exacerbated inequalities, with devastating consequences for the most marginalized.
Nearly 1.6 billion learners, more than 90 percent of the world’s total enrolled student population, have been affected by the school closures due to pandemic, they added.
"We now need to think beyond COVID-19 and work to build greater resilience in our education systems, so we can respond quickly and effectively to these and other such crises. This means protecting education financing, investing in high-quality initial teacher education, as well as continuing the professional development of the existing teacher workforce,” they said.
The organizations have called the governments to ensure the availability of digital infrastructure and connectivity, including in rural and remote areas.
"Now is the time to recognize the role of teachers in helping to ensure a generation of students can reach their full potential, and the importance of education for short-term stimulus, economic growth and social cohesion, during and after COVID-19,” they added.