Schools adviced against collecting funds for Teachers' Day

Education Ministry today advised local schools against collecting funds from parents to celebrate Teacher's Day.

Every year, schools celebrate Teachers' Day on 5th October with great enthusiasm, but complaints of parents being asked to contribute funds for these celebrations has also been constant.

The Education Ministry sent a circular to all schools today with instructions on how to celebrate Teachers' Day in schools this year. In it, schools are asked to not collect funds from parents and students to celebrate the occasion.

Instructions include:

- Celebrate the day by prioritising scientific and productive activities rather than expensive ceremonies

- Set a specific date between the 6th and 10th of October to celebrate Teacher's Day

- All activities should be held on the same day

- Hold an assembly for no more than 45 minutes in each session

- Activities should be carried out within the official sessions, and should not exceed two hours

- No activities should be held out of the island

- No gifts from students and parents to individual teachers

- Conduct the day's activities in a manner that does not detract from the respect and dignity of teachers

The ministry said the purpose of the day is to appreciate the valuable work of teachers and to convey to students and the society the importance of teachers and their role in building the country.

Education Minister Dr Ismail Shafiu told local media outlet Mihaaru last month that there will be parents of different opinions in schools but no parent will be forced to pay money to the school.