World Teacher Day

October 5th is World Teachers' Day, celebrated since 1994, to commemorates teachers’ organizations worldwide, and also the anniversary of the 1966 signature of the UNESCO/ILO Recommendation Concerning the Status of Teachers.

This year, the theme for the day is "Teachers for Gender Equality”.

This theme's focus is the issues surrounding the provision of education systems that empower both boys and girls, as well as better and equitable working conditions for teachers.

Lets consider a few fact:

• Two thirds of the world’s 796 million illiterate adults are women and 39 million adolescent girls are missing out on an education (UNESCO).
• Every 3 seconds another girl becomes a child bride (Plan UK)
• Ten million girls under the age of 18 will be married too young (some as young as 5) or against their will this year – often ending their chances of going to school
• At least 75 million girls around the world are not in school

The UN states that there is a proven correlation between the number of female teachers and girls’ enrollment in school which suggests, more female teachers = more girls in classrooms. This requires dual action - more young girls enrolled in schools, and focused attention on keeping girls in the school system, through secondary and on to university. Only then will we start to see increased numbers of female teachers.

Earlier in the year, Quest secured a grant from the Triodos foundation, which went towards the annual salary for one of our teachers at the Quest school in Villa Maria, Peru. Teachers in extremely poor countries are not paid well, and in some cases not at all. With very few resources and government support, it is often not seen as a desirable profession. So with that in mind, today is a day to reflect and remember that teachers the world over provide an invaluable service, often for little material reward. As well as the profound and lasting impressions teachers leave with their students, they will make immeasurable and seemingly insignificant differences in children’s daily lives, which for some children may mean the difference between staying in school, or dropping out.

The UN suggests, 'why not send an e-card to your teacher' to celebrate today.. However for those of you who dont have you teachers email, dont be put off, send it to someone who has ever taught you something worthwhile, or you can always go old school and give them an apple!

To send an ecard, follow this link.