The Malawi Government, through the Ministry of Education, has called on communities, parents, education stakeholders and all Malawians to strengthen their support for teachers and teacher educators as the country joins the international community in commemorating World Teachers’ Day 2026.
This year’s commemoration is being held under the theme, “Standing with teachers: 60 years of protecting the profession, advancing its status and shaping our futures.” The theme marks 60 years since the adoption of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers.
Minister of Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Bright Msaka, SC, says teachers remain at the heart of Malawi’s human capital development, playing a critical role in shaping the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes of children and young people.
Msaka says virtually every profession begins with a teacher, making a strong and effective teaching workforce essential to building a skilled population and achieving the aspirations of Malawi 2063.
He says Government recognises that quality education depends on well-prepared, competent and motivated teachers and teacher educators.
According to the Minister, Government is therefore committed to strengthening teacher education, Continuous Professional Development, professional standards and systems that promote effective teaching and learning.
Msaka also highlighted the establishment of the Teachers Council of Malawi as an important step towards strengthening the professionalisation and regulation of the teaching profession.
Government is further advancing the transition towards a Diploma in Primary Education for primary school teachers, while continuing efforts to strengthen Continuous Professional Development and enhance the capacity of teacher educators.
The Minister has called on parents, communities, learners, alumni associations, education institutions, the private sector, development partners and other Malawians to play an active role in supporting teachers.
He encouraged communities, organisations and former students to establish initiatives that recognise and appreciate teachers, including awards and other forms of recognition, as well as practical interventions aimed at improving teachers’ working and living conditions.
Msaka stressed that respect for the teaching profession must be demonstrated in homes, schools, communities and national institutions. At the same time, he urged teachers and teacher educators to uphold high standards of professionalism, integrity, dedication and commitment.
He said Malawi cannot achieve its vision of building a productive, skilled and resilient population without ensuring that teachers and those who train them are respected, supported, professionally developed and empowered.
The Minister expressed Government’s appreciation to teachers and teacher educators across the country for their dedication and continued service to children and the nation.
He concluded by emphasising that supporting teachers and teacher educators is an investment in quality education, human capital development and Malawi’s future.
“We cannot aspire to realise Malawi 2063 without teachers,” Msaka said, while wishing all teachers a Happy World Teachers’ Day 2026.
