The Western Cape Education Department celebrates teachers in an emotional campaign for Teacher Appreciation Month

In a moving tribute to educators, the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) commemorates October's Teacher Appreciation Month by publishing a collection of heartfelt messages from the public to teachers who have made significant contributions to their lives. The gesture also signals the launch of the department's #ThankaTeacher campaign.

Back in August 2023, the WCED invited the public to express their gratitude to impactful educators through a message of appreciation. These messages were then filtered, with selected authors brought onboard to deliver their messages personally before surprised and emotional teachers.

David Maynier, the Education MEC, highlighted the impactful nature of gratitude, expressing the immense gratification teachers derive from a simple 'thank you.' The WCED went a step ahead to make the experience more memorable by facilitating a physical reunion between the authors and praised teachers.

Thandokhulu High School teacher, Tokyo Mcunu, expressing his feelings, appreciated the initiative as validating and recognizing the significant role played by teachers. Similarly, retired educator Kevin van Blommestein, former of Windermere High School, acclaimed the WCED initiative, underscoring the transformational part that teachers play in learning institutions.

Special needs educator, Rajes Francis, serving at Vista Nova School, applauded the #ThankaTeacher gesture. After a 42-year career in teaching, Francis said receiving recognition from a parent holds the highest reward, especially during the dusk of his career.

In a bid to show collective gratitude, the WCED encouraged the public to continue expressing their appreciation using the #ThankaTeacher hashtag tag.