Better Teachers, Better Zambia

He said teachers have the difficult task of building the academic, social and moral foundation of learners, making their influence extend far beyond the classroom.

Mr Hikaumba said every professional in the country, including economists, lawyers, clinicians, nurses, doctors, engineers, pilots and scientists, had at some point depended on the work of a teacher.

He said teachers therefore play a central role in determining the quality of human resources Zambia produces and, ultimately, the country’s ability to develop.

Mr Hikaumba urged teachers to continue discharging their duties with dedication and professionalism, saying they should understand that what they do in classrooms today will shape the country’s workforce and leadership tomorrow.

He said teachers should also recognise their responsibility as role models because learners look to them not only for academic knowledge but also for guidance on discipline, conduct, responsibility and respect.

Mr Hikaumba said teachers should lead by example by demonstrating professionalism and a positive attitude in their interaction with learners and the wider community.

He, however, said teachers could not be expected to deliver their best without adequate support from Government.

Mr Hikaumba called for a conducive, supportive and empowering working environment that would allow teachers to concentrate on teaching and provide effective service to learners.

He said Government’s appreciation of teachers should go beyond speeches and annual celebrations and be reflected in practical measures that improve their working environment.

Mr Hikaumba said supporting teachers should be viewed as an investment in Zambia’s future because a strong education system provides the skilled workforce required across every sector of the economy.

“A well-supported teacher is a well-built nation,” he said.

Mr Hikaumba also challenged teacher unions to broaden their focus beyond salaries and conditions of service and place greater emphasis on professionalism among their members.

He said the fight for better pay and decent working conditions remained important, but unions also had a responsibility to ensure that teachers upheld the standards expected of professionals entrusted with educating children.

Mr Hikaumba said teachers were among the most influential adults in the lives of young people and should therefore demonstrate exemplary behaviour and attitudes.

He further called on teacher unions to consider greater unity, arguing that the multiplicity of unions could weaken their collective voice when advocating for the welfare and rights of teachers.

Mr Hikaumba urged the unions to rethink the issue of merging, saying a more united teaching profession could have a stronger voice when engaging Government on issues affecting its members.

He said greater unity could also help unions promote common professional standards while strengthening their ability to represent teachers.

Mr Hikaumba said the welfare of teachers should not be reduced to salaries alone, as the broader working environment also affects their ability to effectively perform their duties.

He paid tribute to teachers working across the country, including those serving in classrooms, lecture halls and communities under difficult circumstances.

Mr Hikaumba said the seeds planted by teachers today would determine the quality of professionals, leaders and citizens Zambia produces tomorrow.

He urged teachers to keep the torch of knowledge burning and continue serving learners with dedication and distinction.

Mr Hikaumba wished teachers across the country a successful International Teachers’ Day commemoration, saying building a better Zambia must begin with supporting and strengthening the teaching profession.