WORLD Teachers’ Day is observed annually on October 5 and commemorates the UNESCO Recommendation Concerning the Status of Teachers. This year’s theme, “Build the future: invest in teachers”, underscores the indispensable role of the teacher.

Today, I take the opportunity to salute our teachers at every level and ask that the nation pause for a moment to recognise the sterling contribution teachers are making to nation building. The professional group, called teachers, is the only group entrusted with the task to mould young people and transmit to them the central values of the society.

Teachers in the 21st century must seek to equip and empower their students to the extent that they can appreciate and be comfortable being Jamaican citizens and also citizens of the world. They will not be merely partakers but notable contributors wherever they are called to serve.

Why the emphasis on teachers? The education system is the vehicle for developing the human resources of any nation and without highly-trained teachers, all other educational resources are of very limited value. Indeed, the future of the world rests in the hands of the teacher.

Teachers who are sufficiently trained and given adequate resources will be able to produce students with a greater sense of well-being: students having critical and analytical skills and trained for both the national and international markets. Teachers, therefore, must occupy a special place in the nation’s developmental strategy.

The Ministry of Education has the task of managing the human resources of the land. Hence, the minister must seek to attract and maintain a teaching corps whose professional and intellectual lives are dedicated not only to instructing but also to stimulating students to achieve their real potential. This is an expensive investment which is absolutely necessary and every effort must be made to secure maximum returns.

Teachers, your contribution is invaluable and we commend you for your commitment and your resilience and admonish you to continue making positive marks on your students, the future of this nation.

Rosemarie Vernon is chairman of the Educational Advisory Committee of UNESCO.