Our children will not forget your efforts

Dear Editor,
Teachers are arguably one of the most important members of our society. They give children purpose, set them up for success as citizens of our country and our world, and inspire in them a drive to do well and succeed in life. The children of today are the leaders of tomorrow, and teachers are that critical point that makes a child ready for their future. Why are teachers important? Teachers truly are the backbone of society. They are role models to children, offer guidance and dedication and give young people the power of education. Because of teachers, countries are able to further develop socially and economically.
The GTU’s call for protest action is “uncaring and unconscionable”, which must be condemned, it is irresponsible and do reflect who our teachers really are!
However, it was clear to all that many of our teachers did not fall prey to the “political machinations of Coretta McDonald and the small cabal of self-serving individuals who have hijacked the Guyana Teachers’ Union” for their own political ambitions and gains.
I want to personally thank those teachers across this country who have boycotted the strike call and have shown commitment to educating our children and protecting them from the COVID-19 pandemic. Our children will not forget your efforts.
Children carry what they have heard, what they have seen and what they were taught at a young age throughout the rest of their lives. They will use what they have learned to influence society. Everyone knows that today’s youth will become tomorrow’s leaders, and teachers have access to educate the youth in their most impressionable years — whether that is in teaching preschool, teaching extracurriculars, sports or traditional classes.
Teachers have the ability to shape leaders of the future in the best way for society to build positive and inspired future generations and therefore design society, both on a local and global scale. In reality, teachers have one of the most important jobs in the Guyana. Those who have an impact on the children of society have the power to change lives. Not just for those children themselves, but for the lives of all.
Teachers are the ultimate role models for students. The fact that students come into contact with many different types of teachers in their academic career means that more likely than not, there will be a teacher that speaks to them.
Knowledge and education are the basis for all things that can be accomplished in life. Teachers provide the power of education to today’s youth, thereby giving them the possibility for a better future.
Teachers’ dedication was shown by their round-the-clock work habits during the online teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic, and they never stopped working despite the 17 months of schools being closed in Guyana. They continued grading papers, making lessons, and communicating with parents during the week and on weekends. While their students stayed at home.
Most teachers, despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, provided extra assistance to struggling students.
Education is a fundamental aspect in the development of Guyana. If the youth of our society is educated, a future is born. Teachers provide the education that improves quality of life, therefore bringing so much to both individuals and society as a whole.
The GTU must allow our teachers to do their job and to increase productivity and creativity of our students, therefore moulding them as future workers.
Compassion is an important attribute that distinguishes the difference between a good teacher and a truly great teacher who becomes an inspiration to their students.
We had the opportunity to see some teachers display those qualities when they disregarded the GTU’s strike call, and returned to the classroom to continue educating our children.

Sincerely,
David Adams