World Teachers’ Day October 5th: Tribute To My Nine Mentors !!!

Do Teachers count? I think they do. What do you think?

By Leo R. Sam

On this special day ( October 5th ) which is designated as World Teachers’ Day, I would like to salute and show my sincere appreciation to nine people ( 3 ladies and 6 gentlemen ) who were my mentors during my ten years of Primary School education in the small gold mining town of Obuasi.

The nine people were highly dedicated professional teachers in St. Thomas Roman Catholic School. They are my heroes and heroines. “You are the wind beneath my wings”. I sincerely believe that teachers are the TRUE PILLARS of democracy. At age 80, I still vividly recall many of the events which occurred during the days I spent in the classrooms of these teachers:

Class 1. 1940 Mr. Andoh

Class 2. 1941 Ms. Margaret Akowuah

Class 3. 1942 Ms. Elizabeth Akowuah

Standard 1. 1943 Mr. Adzibeye

Standard 2. 1944 Mr. Nortey

Standard 3. 1945 Ms Dora OluronkoyaStandard 4. 1946 Mr. Ampah

Standard 5. 1947 Mr. Dapaah ( later Dr. Dapaah )

Standard 6. 1948 Mr. Andoh

Standard 7. 1949 Mr. Eyeson

These outstanding people above laid the strong foundation in my educational journey to enable me to pursue further education. Once more THANK YOU !!! President Obama, in his best seller: The AUDACITY of HOPE ( p. 162 ) has made an important statement, which all politicians ( especially Minister of Education in African countries ) should ponder:

“…IF WE’RE SERIOUS ABOUT BUILDING A TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY SCHOOL SYSTEM, WE’RE GOING TO TAKE THE TEACHING PROFESSION SERIOUSLY…”

As you read this article, I suggest you think of all the teachers who have somehow influenced any aspect of your life in a positive way. Teachers deserve to receive their due reward here on earth. They do not have to wait to receive their reward in heaven as many GHANAIAN POLITICIANS proclaim.

God bless the Teaching Profession all over the world especially in GHANA.

Leo R. Sam

Edmonton, Alberta

Canada

lsam@interbaun.com