Prioritizing Teacher Training, Support, and Appreciation
Teacher unions in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and Southern Cyprus have come together to issue a joint message in honor of World Teachers’ Day on October 5. In their statement, the unions, including POED, KTÖS, OELMEK, KTOEÖS, OLTEK, and DAÜ-SEN, emphasized the importance of ensuring that teachers are well trained, supported, and valued in order to build the education system needed for a better future.
As members of the Education International (EI) and the European Education Union Committee (ETUCE), the unions highlighted the crucial role of teachers in shaping the future of education and promoting peace, democracy, and justice in schools.
This year’s theme for World Teachers’ Day, “Listen to the Voice of Teachers – Towards a New Social Contract for Education,” underscored the significance of teachers’ voices and experiences in creating an education system that prioritizes equality, diversity, and inclusion. The message stressed the importance of sustainable public investment in education and resistance against privatization and commercialization in order to maintain the principles of equal access to quality education for all.
By empowering teachers and strengthening the teaching profession, the unions believe that an education system can be created that not only equips students with necessary skills for the future, but also fosters values of peace, reconciliation, and social harmony. Together, they aim to build a better, fairer future for everyone by promoting mutual respect, understanding, and the importance of peace, democracy, and justice within schools.
