Siyam: Teachers have a right to fair pay and recognition for their valuable sacrifices

Teachers have a fundamental right to fair pay and recognition for their hard work and valuable sacrifices in nation-building, says Ahmed Siyam Mohamed, president of the Maldives Development Alliance (MDA).

Siyam, the parliamentary representative for Dh. Meedhoo constituency, made the remarks in an address on Sunday on occasion of World Teachers’ Day.

In his address, Siyam described teachers as the main pillar of society and the guides of education, discipline and wisdom for the younger generations.

Commending the tireless hard work and valuable services of teachers, Siyam said that they deserve due credit for creating all the great doctors, engineers and other professionals currently serving Maldivian communities.

“No country can achieve sustainable development without the courage and determination of teachers. It is incumbent upon us all to recognize their valuable sacrifices,” he said.

Siyam said that education doesn’t begin and end with the classroom, but requires collaborative effort between teachers, parents, policymakers and the society as a whole.

He said that as the Maldives celebrates Teachers’ Day, everyone must resolve to boost relations between schools and the larger society, facilitate the professional development of teachers, familiarize them with new technological advancements and teaching methods, and create a better learning environment for students.

Siyam said that it is also important to find ways to improve the living condition of teachers.

“Fair pay, a healthy work environment and recognition for their work must be treated as a fundamental right,” he said.

“Teachers engage in sincere work and play the biggest role in nation building even in the most challenging of times. Therefore, it is imperative to elevate the prestige and stature of teachers in order to improve the quality of the education system.”

Siyam said that a shortage of capable teachers is one of the biggest challenges facing the Maldives – one that is forcing existing teachers to take on greater burdens, affecting the quality of education that students receive.

He stressed the urgent need to resolve this shortage in order to provide a brighter future for younger generations.

Siyam urged everyone to work together to ensure teaching is a rewarding job, adding that it is the way to ensure that students receive the quality of education they deserve.

He concluded his address with an appeal to thank and give recognition to teachers for their contributions.