Teachers in Guyana feel “unappreciated”

At a time when teachers in Guyana are crying for their present remuneration to be improved, World Teachers Day was observed on Friday with most teachers complaining of feeling “unappreciated”.
Nonetheless, in Guyana thousands of the teachers were reportedly honoured as they joined the rest of the world in celebrating the day, which was held under the theme “the right to education means the right to a qualified teacher”.
Teachers at various schools were presented with small tokens and cards by students and parents for the meaningful and continuous labour of love and dedication they offer.
Education Minister Nicolette Henry, in her prepared message to teachers, said, “being a teacher is one of the noblest professions, and through the teacher’s commitment and dedication, that human resource: past, present and those to come, can stand as independent thinkers and positive contributors to Guyana and the world at large”.
Chief Education Officer (CEO) Marcel Hutson said in his message, “Teachers make a difference in the lives of our children, and they are at the heart of the action.
“Even though teachers are still concerned that they are still not receiving their respective amount of money, they still continue to give their maximum effort.
World Teachers Day in Guyana is observed at a time where thousands of teachers are again expected to take to the streets as they continuously battle for increased salaries and better working conditions, as the saga between the Education Ministry in Guyana and the Teachers Union continues.
Efforts made to contact the Union on the matter went unanswered.
The Guyana Times spoke with a few teachers, who expressed that they were happy to be in the profession, although they feel unappreciated, especially on a day set aside for them.