Honour teachers

BRUSSELS – “Do not sacrifice education, teachers and young people on the altar of the crisis!”

It was with these words that Educational International (EI) General Secretary, Fred van Leeuwen, concluded his speech at the UNESCO General Conference earlier this month.

Reminding the participants of the global shortage of teachers, Mr van Leeuwen said that it is not sufficient to honour the teaching profession once a year, governments and other stakeholders in the education sector should do so throughout the year.

Highlighting that while it takes both political will and courage of both UNESCO and its member states to take decisions amidst difficult choices, he insisted that it is crucial to protect the social sectors, in particular, education, which should remain an absolute priority for all governments.

In the name of EI, Mr van Leeuwen thanked Director General Koïchiro Matsuura for his work in favour of education and reminded him that EI is ready to continue its collaboration with UNESCO and all those who share its principles and values.