By Ndey Sowe
Marking World Teachers’ Day 2024, the General Secretary of the Gambia Teachers Union Mrs Marie Anthoinette Corr, has called for the establishment of an Education Services Commission.
This year’s theme, “Valuing Teacher Voices: Towards a New Social Contract for Education” underscores the importance of engaging with teachers to address the challenges they face and to acknowledge and benefit from the expert knowledge and input they bring to the education sector.
“Education is fundamental to any thriving society. Yet, it cannot thrive without the dedication, expertise, and passion of teachers. Educators’ voices are essential in determining how education is designed and delivered,” she said.
Globally, she said teachers are overloaded, undervalued, and underpaid, as more and more teachers are leaving the profession and few young people aspire to become teachers.
This, according to her, has resulted in a global shortage of over 44 million teachers, putting the right to education at risk. This has prompted a global call to strengthen the profession.
She highlighted: “Today, it is important that the voices of teachers are heard, respected and valued.”
Mrs Corr said a new social contract is not only about curriculum reforms or technological advancements.
“It is about recognizing the dignity of the teaching profession, and ensuring that teachers are equipped with the tools, training, and resources they need to excel,” she said.
“It is also about involving teachers in key decision-making processes. When teachers are empowered to contribute their insights and experience, educational policies and reforms are more likely to succeed.”
In The Gambia, she said teachers face unique set of challenges, from resource limitations to overcrowded classrooms, low pay, and limited continuous professional development for teachers.
“Despite the obstacles, teachers have consistently demonstrated resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to nurturing the next generation. Our work is not merely a job but a vocation that demands dedication and sacrifice. For this, we deserve recognition and the assurance that our voices matter,” she said.
“We must now come together to redefine the role of teachers in this new era. This new social contract must include greater participation of teachers in policy-making, improved working conditions including decent staff quarters for teachers, increased remuneration to meet regional and global standards. It must include investment in continuous professional development, the establishment of an Education Service Commission to cater for the increasing services and welfare of the education sector and respect for the teaching profession,” Mrs Corr Stated.
She said that a society that truly values education must place teachers at the heart of that system, recognizing their work not just as a function but as a driver of progress and transformation.
“As we celebrate this day, let us remember that the future of education lies in our collaborative efforts, where teachers’ voices are heard and acted upon. Let us commit to forging a new social contract that values our profession, our contributions, and our impact on future generations,” she appealed.
