UNESCO World Teachers’ Day is held annually on the 5 th of October to celebrate
teachers around the globe and has been celebrated around the work since 1994.
World Teachers’ Day is co-convened in partnership with the International Labor
Organization (ILO), UNICEF and Education International (EI).
MESC has celebrated Teachers Day every year to appreciate the work of teachers,
including their struggles and achievements. This year, a special program preceded
the normal celebration to give special acknowledgment to honorary persons who
had served and also those continuing to serve in the teaching profession.
This special ceremony was held at the Taumeasina Island Resort this morning
(Friday 30 th September) where all those who have retired from the field, School
Inspectors and School Principals from around the country attended this
auspicious event. Special awards were handed out in different categories to
recognize different areas of the service the recipients were exemplars in.
This year’s theme is “the transformation of education begins with teachers”. The
program for Teachers Day 2022 is aligned with the Government’s theme, “Sail
with Faith” or “Folau ma le Faatuatua.”
The Deputy Prime Minister, and Acting Minister of Education, Honourable Tuala
Tevaga Iosefo Ponifasio delivered a strong message to encourage and motivate all
who were present.
Part 1 of the celebration will be the Teacher Awards highlighted the following
categories:
a) Teachers that are turning or will turn 60 this year (born in 1962)
b) School Inspectors that have made a difference in their respective districts

GOVERNMENT OF SAMOA

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, SPORTS & CULTURE

c) Outstanding Teachers/Principals nominated by MESC divisions to recognize
all the work they have done this year amidst the COVID19 and lockdown.
Part 2 of the celebration was Tribute to past educators that have contributed to
building Samoa since Samoa became independent in 1962. Tributes were aired on
different media stations and all themes resonate with ‘Folau ma le Faatuatua”
Further celebration will continue with a Special Prayer Service to be held at the
Samoa Tourism Authority Fale Samoa at 3:00pm on Sunday 2 nd October
culminating in the traditional festivities and games to be conducted on the 5 th
October to coincide with the International Celebration.