Word Teachers’ Day 2024 in Palestine

In honor of Palestinian teachers, students from Al-Aqsa Girls School in West Bank took the opportunity to celebrate their teachers by sharing messages of appreciation and reflecting on how they are impacted by their educators. The students expressed immense gratitude for their hardworking teachers, thanking them for their tireless efforts in adapting learning materials, spaces, and their commitment to the continuity of education. Batla Al Khateeb, a young student from the school, spoke about a teacher who deeply inspired her by coming to school daily despite her disability and the various obstacles she faces. She said: "My teacher inspires me every day because of her persistence to continue regardless of her disability. She is very good at being a teacher, and I am proud to call her a mentor."

This year UNESCO, together with the Palestinian Ministry of Education, brought together partners, including UNICEF, Belgian Development Agency Enabel, Japan, and civil society's Teacher Creativity Center, among others, to celebrate teachers at the Al-Aqsa school and across Palestine on World Teacher's Day, and to emphasize the instrumental role that Palestinian teachers play in fostering learning. Teachers across Palestine are not just educators; they are pillars of their communities who inspire hope. Despite facing numerous challenges, they remain dedicated to creating inclusive learning environments and advocating for their students' achievements. Their unwavering commitment helps cultivate a culture of learning that transcends barriers, making education a vital pathway for leading meaningful lives.

The Global Theme for this year's Day is "Valuing Teacher Voices: Towards a New Social Contract for Education," underscoring the urgency of acknowledging and addressing teachers' challenges while benefiting from the expert knowledge and insights they bring to education.