Building a stronger, more responsive education system that serves the needs of every child

On this World Teachers’ Day, UNICEF Maldives joins the global community in celebrating the dedication, resilience, and transformative impact of teachers in children’s lives across Maldives and around the world.  

This year’s theme, ‘Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession’ is a powerful and timely call to action. It urges us to reimagine the role of teachers – not as isolated individuals, but as part of a vibrant, interconnected professional community. When teachers are supported to collaborate, learn from one another, and co-create solutions, the entire education system becomes stronger, more resilient, and more responsive to the needs of every child. 

In Maldives, this vision is being advanced through the Government’s Education Transformation Agenda, ‘THAIBA’, supported by the Global Partnership for Education, UNICEF and the World Bank. By focusing on inclusive education, digital learning, and climate resilient and safe school environments, ‘THAIBA’ rightly recognizes and aims to build on the vital, collective role that teachers play in building a future-ready education system. 

As we celebrate teachers today, UNICEF Maldives also calls upon all partners – government, communities, and parents – to commit to take concrete steps to uplift and empower the teaching profession. This requires us to collectively: 

1. Prioritize investments in continuous professional development that fosters collaboration, innovation, and inclusion.
2. Strengthen digital access and infrastructure to ensure teachers can engage in remote learning communities and access quality resources.
3. Promote teacher well-being and ensure greater recognition of their vital role in shaping the future of every child.
4. Champion inclusive education practices, enabling teachers to meet the diverse needs of all learners, including those with disabilities and from marginalized communities.
5. Strengthen pre-service teacher training to ensure every new educator enters the classroom with up-to-date knowledge, skills, and the confidence to inspire every child. 

To every teacher across Maldives: thank you for your unwavering commitment, creativity, and compassion. You are not only educators; you are collaborators, mentors, and the architects of tomorrow.   

Let us continue to stand with and invest in our teacher’s growth, celebrating their contributions – not just today, but every day. 

Happy World Teachers’ Day!