Focused on teacher's contribution and problem solving

World Teachers' Day was celebrated on Saturday, honoring the vital role teachers play in society. While this event is recognized annually in Nepal, it has yet to make a significant impact on improving education quality or addressing teachers' issues.

On this occasion, the Nepal Teachers Federation and various professional associations rallied under the slogan "Let the voices of teachers be heard." However, Laxmikishore Subedi, president of the Nepal Teachers Federation, noted that despite these celebrations, teachers' challenges and educational problems remain unresolved.

Currently, the teaching profession in Nepal faces numerous difficulties. The Teachers Service Commission struggles to find enough qualified candidates, and many who take the exams fail to pass. The demand for permanent teaching positions with attractive salaries, benefits, and pensions exists, yet the supply of suitable candidates is lacking.

Hansha Bahadur Shahi, General Secretary of the Nepal Teachers' Association, pointed out that inadequate investment from the government in school education and teacher welfare is contributing to this crisis. He raised concerns about the future of education and the need to amplify teachers' voices, emphasizing that discussions on these matters often do not yield concrete solutions.

Shahi also highlighted a troubling legal issue: current laws state that teachers will not receive pensions after Chait 4, 2075, due to pre-existing advertisements. This situation makes the teaching profession less appealing, and he urged the government to take the matter seriously.

World Teachers' Day traces its origins to a 1966 conference held in Paris by UNESCO and the International Labor Organization, which concluded on October 5. Since 1994, UNESCO has promoted this date as a day to recognize teachers globally, gradually expanding its significance around the world.