Aga Khan University's Institute for Educational Development, East Africa (IED EA) celebrated World Teachers' Day 2024 with a series of vibrant events at its Dar es Salaam campus. Hosted by the Centre for Continuing Education and Life Long Learning (CELL), the event focused on this year's theme “Valuing Teachers' Voices: Towards a New Social Contract for Education."
The celebration brought together faculty, teachers, and students from the Master of Education programme, alongside Shree Hindu Mandal Schools, Kimara Temboni Primary School, and Jangwani Secondary School. The day began with a "Walk of Honour," where students presented their teachers with roses and handmade cards created by students from the Aga Khan Primary School and the Growing Tree Nursery School. This symbolic gesture expressed appreciation for teachers' dedication and hard work in shaping young minds.
One of the key highlights of the day was a workshop aimed at empowering teachers to take on leadership roles in their schools and communities. More than 23 teachers participated in sessions that explored topics such as leading systemic change, empowering teacher agency in decision-making, and fostering collective leadership through Professional Learning Communities (PLCs). The workshop encouraged teachers to create actionable plans that could lead to meaningful change, both within and beyond the classroom.
Professor Jane Rarieya, Dean of IED, EA, emphasized the importance of recognizing teachers as more than policy implementers. She emphasized that teachers are “thought leaders, innovators, and advocates for our children's future. They understand the barriers to learning and the growth opportunities better than anyone else, especially in today's complex and interconnected world."
Prof Rarieya called for teachers' voices to be amplified in decision-making spaces, where they are often overlooked.
The event also featured an engaging panel discussion on the role of teachers in shaping education. Participants included a diverse group of stakeholders, including a student representative, a parent, a pre-primary teacher, and an AKU faculty member. Together, they discussed how teachers' insights can drive meaningful change in schools and communities.
The day concluded on a high note with a talent show, where students from participating schools performed beautiful poems in tribute to their teachers. The performances added a creative and emotional touch to the day's events.
World Teachers' Day at IED, EA was a resounding success, shining a spotlight on the crucial role of teachers in education. It served as a powerful reminder that teachers are not just educators but leaders who shape the future of learning. The event also reinforced CELL's commitment to supporting teachers' professional growth, encouraging educators to embrace leadership and continue enhancing their skills in an ever-evolving educational landscape.
