Union presidents appeal for equality in education

PHILIPSBURG--The issues of male student underachievement and the relatively low number of male teachers have become causes for concern. Union leaders used World Teachers Day, October 5, to promote gender equality in education.

Messages this week from Caribbean Union of Teachers (CUT) President Marvin Andall and Windward Islands Teachers Union (WITU) President Claire Elshot-Aventurin focused on the theme "Teachers for Equality."

Via press release, Elshot-Aventurin called education workers to action, saying, "We must make a serious effort to campaign at the career fairs held in secondary education yearly, for the male gender to realise that education needs them. That is the main reason WITU has been striving to secure the rights and benefits for the teaching profession, to make it more attractive for both male and female students to become teachers in the future."

Andall shared his concerns saying, "We are of the firm conviction that gender equality is a human right and one that underpins human endeavours for sustainable development, social justice, peace and security, and quality education for all.

"We note with concern that even though there exists the enabling legislation, we, in this region, have not fully achieved gender equality. ... It is the responsibility of the various unions to ensure that there is full representation and participation of both genders."

World Teachers Day serves to build awareness, understanding and appreciation for the vital contribution that teachers make to education and development. Elshot-Aventurin gave special recognition to those who had given 15 years or more to education. "I would like to encourage those teachers just joining to continue in the footsteps of the senior teachers, with God's guidance and love."

Both unions are appealing to governments, parents and communities to renew their commitment to teachers and teaching, with the goal of creating equality in education.

Source: http://www.thedailyherald.com/islands/1-islands-news/21327-union-presidents-appeal-for-equality-in-education.html

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