On World Teachers’ Day, Salesians Highlight Programs that Support Teachers in Africa

“The training normally takes place every year in person, but due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, it has been done remotely online for the last two summers,” officials of Salesian Missions say in the October 5 report.

They further say, “The Don Bosco Higher Institute in Maputo has also developed a university center dedicated to the preparation of technical and vocational teachers.”

“The Don Bosco Higher Institute is the only professional teacher training program in the country and provides training to more than 600 students each year,” they add.

Partially funded by the Spanish Cooperation, SDB Officials say the institute “is also the only teacher training center in Mozambique recognized by the Ministry of Education for the training of teachers of professional schools.”

In the East African nation of Kenya, Salesian missionaries realized an online graduation ceremony for graduates of the Salesian Technical and Vocational Training Center management course on January 11. 

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“The course was specifically designed to improve the quality of vocational training and was divided into the four modules of organizational management, financial management, entrepreneurship, and green and sustainable approaches,” officials of Salesian Missions say.

This kind of training, they add, “is important to improve the skills of those teaching in Salesian schools. Their work is vital to their students’ success both in and out of the classroom.”

“The 33 participants in the training came from Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria and South Sudan. On Jan. 25, 136 people started the course,” SDB members further say.

Held annually on 5 October since 1994, World Teachers’ Day provides the occasion to celebrate the teaching profession worldwide, take stock of achievements, and draw attention to the voices of teachers who are at the heart of efforts to attain the global education target of leaving no one behind.

This year, the event was celebrated under the theme, “Teachers: Leading in crisis, reimagining the future.”

The leadership of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) that aims to foster world peace and security through international cooperation in education, the sciences, and culture has highlighted the impact of the coronavirus on a struggling “education system.”

“The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly added to the challenges faced by already over-extended education systems throughout the world. It is no exaggeration to say that the world is at a crossroads and, now more than ever, we must work with teachers to protect the right to education and guide it into the unfolding landscape brought about by the pandemic,” UNESCO leadership says.

In the October 5 report, the Director of Salesian Missions, Fr. Gus Baek is quoted as saying, “Teachers are the backbone of the Salesian educational system and need our support in helping to ensure their work is valued and respected.”

Fr. Baek notes that “Salesian teachers face many challenges educating poor youth. Many of their students have faced severe poverty and often lack basic needs such as food, clothing and shelter. Some were previously living and working on the streets, and others have faced war as child soldiers or become refugees in war-torn communities.”

Fr. Baek further says, “Salesian teachers, who often come from similar backgrounds, meet these challenges head-on, providing education and hope for a brighter future.”

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Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.