As part of celebrations to mark World Teachers’ Day, Ministry of Education (MoE) will award best performing teachers from primary and secondary schools, as well as from teacher training colleges, to acknowledge their contribution to the education sector.

World Teachers’ Day is celebrated globally on October 5 each year, but Malawi will commemorate the day today at Grand Palace Hotel in Mzuzu.

Minister of Education Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima told journalists during a press briefing in Lilongwe on Tuesday that government is committed to motivate teachers through various initiatives such as the awards.

Kambauwa Wirima said if the country is to develop and align itself to the aspirations of the Malawi 2063, the nation needs to have educated people, hence teacher motivation is important for efficient and effective service delivery.

She, therefore, appealed to the community to join hands with government in acknowledging teachers’ contribution, saying such a gesture is not only government’s job but also the community’s.

Steering Committee Co-chairperson for the event, Rose Kalizang’oma, said an agreed empirical method is used to select best teachers for national recognition, motivation and acknowledgement.

Two teachers each from primary and secondary schools from the 34 education districts and 18 teachers from the teacher training colleges will be awarded with a certificate and cash, among other things.

The event, which is being held under the theme ‘The teachers we need for the education we want’ started with a march led by the Malawi Police Brass Band from Mzuzu High Court Roundabout to Grand Palace Hotel.