PM observes Teachers’ Day with teachers and students of schools in Samtse
Even as the storm over the Pay Commission’s report is yet to recede, Prime Minister Dr. Lotay Tshering said the government will do what it can and keep working on the financial incentives for teachers.
In a note titled “Thank You Teachers” posted on May 1 on the Prime Minister’s official Facebook page, Lyonchhen wrote that it is also time to reciprocate teachers’ contributions.
“Within the limited resources of our country, and an intricate system that involves other civil servants, we will do all we can. I will keep working on your financial incentives, explore ways to offer social support, and improve your work environment. As much as you are a civil servant, I know other civil servants are fruition of teachers’ efforts. Therefore, it is time to give what is due,” wrote the Prime Minister.
He added, “Our intentions are genuine. So as we work relentless over the years to make your contributions as worthy, please continue to sustain your efforts and do not give up on our children or rather, the future of our country.”
“Dear teachers. On this day and on every other day, I would like to say thank you. These are mere words but please know they are heartfelt,” wrote Lyonchhen.
“It is true we have talked enough about importance of teachers, not just for individual students but nation at large. We have also discussed enough about sacrifices you make, of your hefty work load and long working hours. We know you live by example not just in schools but beyond. We know the fact that once a teacher, you are expected to live as one all your lives,” added the Prime Minister.
And symbolically the day coinciding with the Birth Anniversary of the revered Father of Modern Bhutan, the late third Druk Gyalpo Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, Lyonchhen mentioned that it was the Third King who initiated and inaugurated the first teacher training college here in Samtse. “So if you are looking for an inspiration, the day offers you just that. It spells out that no hardship and endeavor go futile,” wrote the Prime Minister.
“I also pray these words end up in the ears of teachers all across the country, who do not mind the crowded classroom with basic furniture, who do not complain of the makeshift classrooms. Hope the teachers who see through different sacrifices to ensure our children are educated that they grow up to be a good person and more so a good Bhutanese get this message.”
Lyonchhen concluded that had he not qualified for doctor after the 12th standard, he would have decided on becoming a teacher.
Prime Minister Dr. Lotay Tshering joined the teachers and students of Samtse Higher and Lower Secondary schools to celebrate Teachers’ Day in Samtse on Thursday. Addressing the teachers and students who had gathered to celebrate the event, Lyonchhen shared anecdotes and stories of how a boy in Punakha High School in 1988 wore his Jesuit Father’s white robe and pretended to be a principal for a day and how a doctor in eastern Bhutan travelled all the way to Dhaka to be by the side of his teacher who was operated on.
Tshering from Thimphu
