World Teachers Day: Cameroon celebrates in pomp and grandeur

The occasion was also platform to revisit the strengths of teachers and difficulties encountered as well as encourage Cameroonians to partner with them towards a sustainable society, in line with UNESCO’s call for unified efforts.

Teachers agree. When Education global surveyed more than 15.000 teachers a year ago for World Teachers’ Day, in the largest poll it ever conducted at classroom level, more than 50 per cent identified the current teacher shortage as a major threat to both the equity and quality of education. The day held annually on October 5, since 1994 by the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). In order to bring education to countries worldwide by 2020, the United Nations estimates that we will have to recruit 10.9 million new teachers. Within the goal of inclusive and equitable quality education there are 10ten targets, ranging from universalising early childhood education opportunities to closing the achievement gaps in all countries.

As a result, 59 million kids are, according to the UIS, “excluded from education”. And the situation will likely get worse, as the region struggles to accommodate a growing school-age population. “Teachers need to be systematically appraised and their performance attached to a few form of bonus or compensation”.

As important as deploying more teachers is ensuring that they have the qualifications for the job.

In a separate statement on the Day, the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) highlighted the key roles teachers play in empowering students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the 21st century and better connect with people and experiences beyond their borders.

The UIS notes that “since 1999, at least 28 countries have more than doubled their teacher workforces”. However, 33 countries (34%) will still not have enough teachers to achieve UPE in 2030.