Lessons from Committed Teachers

Title: Lessons from Committed Teachers

Content: On this October 5th, World Teachers' Day, with the theme "Together for Teachers. Together for Tomorrow", we delve into the shared experiences of members of the Mauritian education community, united by a common passion: teaching.

Sunita Harpal: Believing in Them for Twenty Years

Morning routines in Sunita Harpal's classroom begin with a smile and a few jokes, creating a safe haven for her students. For twenty years, at Sir Veerasamy Ringadoo Government School, she has cultivated her classroom into a refuge for learning and personal growth. "My love for children and my desire to contribute to their development guided me to this profession," she shares, recalling how her childhood dreams of teaching became her true calling during her first internship in a primary school.

Twenty years later, she finds motivation in her students’ eyes lighting up with understanding and their curious questions. She cherishes visits from former students who return to thank her for believing in them.

Her teaching day is a well-orchestrated routine that balances fundamental learning with creative expression. She emphasizes a supportive atmosphere and varied teaching methods to keep students engaged. Sunita advocates for reducing exam pressure, believing it discourages many children who struggle to fit into a performance-driven system.

To prospective teachers, she emphasizes the profession's demands and rewards, highlighting the patience, energy, and heart required to help children grow.

Hemlata Heereelall: The Sacred Fire of Education

With 21 years of experience, Hemlata Heereelall embodies her family’s educational legacy. Teaching is not just a job for her but an ongoing discovery and a profound commitment to nurturing each student’s character and identity. She actively engages her students through discussions and encourages their love of reading, seeing perseverance and respect as vital components of her teaching philosophy.

In the face of digital transformation, she acknowledges both the benefits and challenges posed by technology and social media, urging new teachers to remain resilient and dedicated to creating a creative and critical educational environment.

The Wisdom of Retired Educators

Balmookoond Gopaul and Harrydeo Ramkishore, both retired teachers, stress the importance of the synergy between parents and teachers in fostering children’s growth. They share insights on balancing discipline with encouragement and the need for students to navigate the information age with critical thinking.

Amal Gopaul: The Quiet Passion

Amal Gopaul reflects on his inspiration to teach from a memorable moment in his schooling. He believes that education is about enriching students as individuals and adapting to the changing landscape of technology. For him, the challenge is to foster critical thinking over mere memorization, ensuring that education evolves to meet contemporary needs.