Teachers across the territory will be treated to various discounts throughout the month of October from numerous businesses, an initiative which stems from World Teachers Day.
The initiative is spearheaded by the Ministry of Education as a means to recognise the hard work of teachers within the British Virgin Islands.
Speaking during a recent address, Minister of Education Dr. Natalio Wheatley explained how the initiative will work with the respective businesses in the territory.
He added that he has also included a treat from himself for all teachers which will be valid only on Friday October 8.
“We understand it is important not just to say we appreciate you, but to show you. That is why, in recognition of your hard work, the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture has reached out to the local business community and have asked them to offer teachers discounted rates during teachers’ week and/or during the month of October. Many have responded favourably. You will receive digital coupons either through your V. I. Schools email directly or from your principal. These coupons must be presented at the business to benefit from the discounts,” he stated.
“Also, I will be sponsoring a happy hour for teachers on the four islands for all educators from 4pm to 6pm on Friday of this week. On Tortola it will be at the Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies, and on the other islands, your principal will inform you of the venues. This is just another small way of saying thanks and showing our appreciation for the hard work that you do,” he further explained.
$300 reimbursement
Dr. Wheatley also informed teachers to be on the lookout for their reimbursement of $300 and made it clear that there are no restrictions to how this money can be spent.
“I cannot forget to mention that you will soon be receiving your $300 to reimburse you for a portion of the personal money you pour into your jobs. Contrary to some false reporting, you can spend this on whatever you like. And of course, we are strong advocates for increases in salaries for teachers, and we are looking forward to the salary review commissioned by Cabinet and being undertaken by the Deputy Governor’s Office via the Human Resources department,” he said.
Kudos to the many hardworking teachers
Minister Wheatley also commended teachers for their continuous dedication to the service, especially during an unprecedented pandemic.
He said, “It has been a challenging period for all. Teachers, you had to make many adjustments. You had to adapt to protocols and discover new ways to teach and engage students. Teaching and learning online, learning new methods of instructions, completing assessments and this year we are back in the classroom with the capability of working remotely if needed.”
He continued, “Despite the obstacles, you have accomplished amazing things. Every day I see, and I hear of your inventiveness, tenacity, enthusiasm, and strength. As Minister for Education, I am cognizant of the many challenges that educators experience daily. My government and I will continue to do the best that we can to support your efforts during these changing times.”
World Teachers’ Day is held annually on October 5 to celebrate all teachers around the globe. It commemorates the anniversary of the adoption of the 1966 International Labour Organization ILO/ United Nations Educational, Scientific, Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Recommendation concerning the Status of teachers, which sets benchmarks regarding the rights and responsibilities of teachers, and standards for their initial preparation and further education, recruitment, employment, and teaching and learning conditions.
The Recommendation concerning the Status of Higher-Education Teaching Personnel was adopted in 1997 to complement the 1966 Recommendation by covering teaching personnel in higher education.
World Teachers’ Day has been celebrated since 1994.