KUCHING: State Education Department director Dr Azhar Ahmad has called on teachers to guide their students to undertake challenges, solve problems and make fair decisions.
He added that in this age of new technology, teachers must also strike a balance between digital platforms and face-to-face human interactions.
Dr Azhar’s speech during Kuching District Level Teachers’ Gawai Raya Appreciation Programme at the State Education Department yesterday was read by State Education Department’s Head of Islamic Education Hossein Mahrip
The director also advised teachers to work closely with parents, the community and the private sector in educating and guiding the children.
“As the African proverb says “It takes a village to raise a child”. It is not the job of teachers alone to raise the children but our duty, too,” he stressed.
In line with this year’s Teachers’ Day theme “Guru Obor Hemah Menyinari Pertiwi” (Teachers: the torch bearer of good character that lights up the nation), Dr Azhar also urged teachers to equip themselves with the latest skills, relevant and effective ways of teaching.
“Most importantly, educators must always remember to maintain good moral values in order to be highly regarded and become good examples for the students and the society,” he pointed out.
He also reminded the teachers to support the country’s agenda to transform education as targeted in the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013 to 2015.
Meanwhile, Kuching District Education Officer Kamariah Said explained that the appreciation programme held in conjunction with the Teachers’ Day celebration was also to honour teachers and schools that had done well last year.
Earlier, the event also saw the presentation of certificates to 87 primary and secondary schools that had performed well.
Appreciation certificates were also presented to four principals who retired this year. They were Zaaba Bujang from SK Bandar Samariang, Chai Hon Mun (SJK Chung Hua No 4), Hussein Ali (SK Satria Jaya), and Louise Simon Peter (SMK Padungan).
Wife of former head of state Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Norkiah, who sponsored the event, was present.
