Today, October 5, 2001 the people of the world take time out to recognize teachers and the part they play in the building of education. The theme put forward by UNESCO, "Quality Teachers for Quality Education", is most appropriate and one with which our own Jamaican society can readily identify.

In recent months, there has been heightened interest shown in our Jamaican teachers, by individuals and educational institutions from the developed countries of the world. Though we recognize the loss to Jamaica and our school system, we are proud to recognize that our teachers are sought after because they represent teachers of quality.

The quality is evidenced not only in the kind of training they receive from our local training institutions, which provide the necessary pedagogical skills, but those experiences, which help to create a better understanding of the modern day teaching and learning environments.

The Ministry of Education, Youth and Culture, continues to implement programmes aimed at sharpening the skills of our teachers, and gives the support where necessary for our teachers to pursue available training opportunities. Hence, our annual scholarship programme for teachers to study at the Baccalaureate level and our collaboration with the University of the West Indies, Mona, to offer designated programmes to address areas of special need.

Let me assure our Jamaican teachers that your work in the education system is highly appreciated, and that the government will continue to bring about those improvements, which are necessary for the quality of the system.

Burchell Whiteman
Minister

October 1, 2001