Teachers in Marsabit County have been urged to uphold professionalism, integrity, discipline and ethical conduct as they continue playing a critical role in shaping learners and preparing future generations.
The call was made during World Teachers’ Day celebrations held at Marsabit Moi Girls Senior Secondary School, where teachers from across the county gathered to celebrate their contribution to education and the development of society.
In a speech delivered by Marsabit County Deputy Director of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), Marta Guyo, County Director of TSC Alinoor Hassan said the occasion provided an opportunity to recognise, appreciate and celebrate teachers for their dedication and contribution to the education sector.
Hassan welcomed teachers from across the county and commended them for their commitment and continued service, often under challenging circumstances.
He congratulated 29 teachers who received certificates of recognition, saying the awards reflected their hard work, commitment and positive contribution to the teaching profession.
“The recognition reflects your commitment, hard work and positive contribution to the teaching profession. I encourage you to continue setting high standards for yourselves and your colleagues,” Hassan said.
He urged teachers to serve as positive role models to learners and members of the community by demonstrating integrity, discipline, respect, professionalism and responsible conduct both within and outside their schools.
Hassan also cautioned teachers against alcohol and drug abuse, expressing concern over cases of substance abuse and their potential impact on teachers, learners and the teaching profession.
He called on teachers to make responsible choices, support colleagues struggling with substance abuse and seek appropriate assistance whenever necessary.
The County Director further urged teachers to take personal responsibility for the image and future of the profession by reporting to school prepared, teaching with commitment, safeguarding learners’ welfare and upholding professional ethics.
He challenged teachers to take an active role in strengthening the profession, saying positive change should begin with individual teachers.
“Do not wait for someone else to make the change. Each one of you has a role to play in making Marsabit’s teaching profession stronger, more professional and more respected,” he said.
Hassan also encouraged teachers to embrace sporting activities, saying sports promote teamwork, friendship, sportsmanship and healthy competition.
He urged teachers to use the celebrations as a moment of reflection and return to their respective schools with renewed commitment, greater responsibility and determination to make a difference in the lives of learners.
Teachers welcomed the Teachers Service Commission Educational Association (TSCEA) initiative to organise the County-level celebrations, describing it as an important milestone in recognising their contribution to society.
Mercy Wamuyu, a teacher at Marsabit Mixed Day Secondary School, thanked the TSC for organising and supporting the event, saying teachers were proud to have their efforts recognised.
Wamuyu noted that it was the first time such a function had been held at the county level and said the recognition had given teachers a sense of pride and appreciation.
She, however, highlighted challenges facing senior secondary school teachers, particularly the implementation of projects for Grade 10 learners amid limited resources.
She called on the TSC to provide additional support to enable teachers and learners to benefit fully from the new programmes.
Elijah Huka, a head teacher at Demo Primary School, said teachers had gathered not only to celebrate but also to honour the teaching profession and their calling to serve.
“Behind every successful person, there is a teacher who believed in him or her,” Huka said, describing teachers as builders of the nation who help shape doctors, pilots, leaders and other professionals.
He acknowledged that teaching was not easy, particularly because of limited resources and difficult working conditions, but said teachers continued to serve with love, patience and dedication.
Dominic Muriuki, a Junior Secondary School teacher at St Teresa Girls Primary School, thanked the TSC county director for recognising teachers and providing them with an opportunity to celebrate their profession.
Muriuki said the celebration was significant because it was the first of its kind to be held at the county level.
He highlighted challenges facing JSS teachers, including dealing with learners from difficult backgrounds who sometimes arrive at school inadequately prepared for the learning process.
He called on parents to prepare their children adequately for school and provide them with a friendly and supportive environment at home.
Muriuki said a positive home environment was important in promoting learners’ physical, emotional and moral development and could also contribute to improved academic performance.
He further raised concern over alcohol and drug abuse among some teachers and called on the TSC to establish programmes to support affected teachers through counselling, mentorship and rehabilitation.
He said affected teachers should be given an opportunity to recover and rebuild their lives.
“We are human beings and everyone needs a second chance,” he said.
The celebrations also received an environmental boost after the County Forest Conservation Department donated 105 tree seedlings for planting at the school.
Deputy County Forest Conservator Kadiro Oche said the department was pleased to join teachers in marking the important day while promoting environmental conservation.
Oche called on members of the public to take advantage of the El Niño rains to plant trees in their homes and institutions.
He also urged schools to establish tree-planting programmes within their compounds, saying interested schools could approach the Forest Department for seedlings.
He said tree planting was critical in addressing the effects of climate change and improving the environment.
Oche said the department hoped that when it returned to schools in future, it would find trees planted during the celebrations thriving and contributing to a greener Marsabit County.
by Anthony Melly
