CATHOLIC Education Secretary, Fr. Lawrence Arockiaraj, told Sacred Heart teachers that teaching is not only about educating a child but a high responsibility of cultivating attitude and displaying a role model character to students.
Fr. Arockiaraj made this remark during a commemoration ceremony of the International World Teachers’ Day, which was held earlier today at the Catholic Bishop Conference Headquarters in Port Moresby.
About 40 teachers of Sacred Heart teaching in elementary and primary levels gathered together to commemorate the day.
Fr. Arockiaraj said: “You have a role to play; you are to be an exemplary figure that is more than teaching. Your attitude should make them a better person”.
Representative of administrative structure of Catholic Education Commission, Mr. Vincent Sobo, also shared the similar sentiments, highlighting vital responsibility that teachers have in inspiring young minds in the country.
“In our Catholic education and national education system in PNG, we have many challenges and difficulties,” Mr Sobo said.
“Teachers have shown sign of brilliance of those educators to shine beyond their challenges,” he expressed.
Relating on wider perspective, Mr Sobo went on mentioning the importance in building and grooming students in the classroom and advocating for a better community and society for everyone to excel.
He strongly believed on the theme: “Empowering Educators: Strengthening resilience, building sustainability”.
Mr Sobo said the theme is powerful as what was taught in the scripture by Jesus about how to be champions of faith and perseverance.
He urged the teachers to move forward and continue to be mentors to younger generations of this country, despite not earning enough recognition or accolades.
“You are the foundation; never stop working. You keep children live in the classroom until afternoon,” Mr Sobo said.
“We must empower ourselves in terms of little resources that we have. Whatever that we have through our limitations, we must manage to go beyond excellence.”
