TODAY is World Teachers’ Day so SunEducation spoke to teachers and pupils to find out what they are doing on the special day.
- Maria Mohlape (61), a former teacher at Nkholi Primary School in Pimville, Soweto, said she celebrated Teachers Day’ by telling stories to her pupils.
Maria retired last year after serving for more that 32 years at the school.
“I spent more time narrating stories to the children on Teachers’ Day. I would use a whole lesson standing in front of them but I expected feedback to make sure they understood everything.”
She said at assembly, pupils would go to the podium to do dramas and plays, read poems to their teachers, and wish them a happy day.
Their school also gave every single teacher a trophy to motivate them in their work.
Maria said she was inspired to become a teacher by her grade 8 teacher who she only knew as Mrs Setlhako, because of the way she dressed and talked to people.
- Mbokodo Skosana (55), also a retired teacher, used to teach at Crown Mine Primary School where pupils would do concerts and celebrate in song on the day.
- Motiki Mabote (34) from Soweto, said he didn’t like maths or school until his primary school teacher, Mr Molebeledi, showed him how to love maths and believe in school. Today he owns a painting business.
Motiki said he wished he could have bought his old teacher something special for Teachers’ Day because he is where he is today because of him.
- Fifi Letsimo (31) said she didn’t know anything about Teachers’ Day when she was at school but that she had a very good and understanding teacher, Mrs Yende, who still teaches at Thaba Jabula in Klipspruit.
- Bongani Nkosi (26) from Ongoye Secondary School in KZN, said they used to send their teachers messages of appreciation on Teachers’ Day.
Dr Lanette Hattingh, an education psychologist, said there were many brilliant teachers who deserved to be honoured daily and not only on Teachers’ Day.
“We must learn to appreciate our teachers because appreciation brings pride. A good teacher is like an angel put on earth to teach and train a child to reach her or his full potential.”
