The teachers we need for the education we want...

THE byline is the theme of the World Teachers' Day in 2023. The event is celebrated every 5th day of October, a campaign adopted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) to provide the world a better appreciation of the role of teachers in the development of students and society. Teachers are the pillars of education.

Without delving into the details of the Unesco campaign, the phrase should be seen from the perspective of maritime education in this archipelago. It is often cited that one of the problems encountered by maritime higher institutions is the dearth of maritime teachers and instructors. One argument submitted is the fact that merchant marine officers prefer employment onboard to that of teaching would-be seafarers. There are obvious reasons, of course, one being that of the desire to practice their profession and more importantly, the highly attractive remuneration offered for those who go to sea. For those who stand by the second reason, it is also best they do not become teachers.