OFM News spoke to a number of teachers in the Free State and the North West about the importance of this day during the current academic year and challenges they are plagued with. 

Ramotshewa Lekaota is the Life Orientation teacher at Thuto Tsebo Seconday School in Kanana near Orkney in the North West, who says the lack of discipline from modern day learners makes it difficult for teachers to carry out some of their duties. 

He highlights a lack of infrastructure development, lack of adequate water and sanitation and overcrowded classrooms pose other challenges to teachers and the entire school community, especially amidst Covid-19. 

Lekaota adds that whilst teaching is a noble profession and still his passion, a lack of technology and internet connectivity in many public schools is another major challenge teachers are faced with.

Bloemfontein-based teacher, Mary-Lou Piek, further told OFM News it is important to show appreciation or to commemorate World Teacher's Day as teaching entails so much more than just imparting knowledge. She explains a classroom is an environment whereby teachers form relationships with learners, guide them, play the role of a parent, a nurse, a psychologist, and fills more than one role despite the challenges their are faced with.

Piek highlights the biggest challenge this year has been Covid-19, which not only required schools to put in place extra ordinary safety precautions, but required curriculums and timetables to be restructured. She explains children often flourish on a routine and that changes brought about by the pandemic has been challenging for everyone.

"The only way to tackle this challenge is to remain as positive as possible and to work as hard as we possibly can, and do what we can within a short timeframe. Maintaining calm and letting the children at least enjoy school and fostering a love of learning regardless of the challenging circumstances is also important" said Piek.

Lekaota added "teaching is the most important career in the whole world and a mother of all careers. Teachers are interested in the possibility of shaping the next generation, therefore celebrating a day like this is very important and inspiring to teachers to keep on doing the great work they are doing".

OFM News