Staff of Pelican Gate with their gift packages compliments of First District Representative Honourable Andrew A. Fahie. Photo: Provided

Hon Andrew A. Fahie said teachers are the engine of every country as they go far beyond the call of duty to not only teach but reach our children. Photo: Provided

Education has always been at the forefront for First District Representative Hon Andrew A. Fahie. One of his signature programmes is the afternoon homework programme ‘Bambelela'. Photo: VINO/File

Today is World Teachers’ Day and for Hon Fahie, making a special call personally to each school in his district was one way of showing his appreciation for the sacrificial job they do.

In a release to this news site, First District Representative Hon Fahie said teachers are the engine of every country as they go far beyond the call of duty to not only teach but reach our children.

‘Teachers are simply the best’

“They are on the front line daily in preparing our future for the future. Today, thanks to Bolo's Department Store, I surprised each principal and teacher in both the public and private primary schools in the First District, Isabella Morris, Leonora Delville and Pelican Gate, with small gifts to show my appreciation for the awesome job that they do. With much love and appreciation I say Happy Teachers’ Day to ALL our VI teachers. You guys are SIMPLY THE BEST!”

In an invited comment, Hon Fahie told Virgin Islands News Online that when he was younger and had difficulty with reading and English two teachers took the time to help develop on his weakness in those areas.

“They went above and beyond the call of duty to do so. I always remember them as well as those teachers that pushed me because they saw in me at that time what I didn't see in myself,” he said.

According to Hon Fahie, without dedicated teachers the territory can never reach its fullest potential because all professions start in the classrooms in front of a teacher.

Education has always been at the forefront of the First District Representative’s calendar of activities. One of his signature programmes is the afternoon homework programme ‘Bambelela’.

Despite his long-time commitment, Hon Fahie has had cause to silence the doubters who cast aspersions as to why he created his afternoon homework programme, which means Never Give Up in one of the African languages.

Hon Fahie explained that it was started because he wanted to make sure that the children that are struggling, that cannot afford tutorial help, or even if they could have afforded it but their schedule was not fitting tutorial help, they can come into the programme and get the help that they needed.

Recognising and honouring the principals and teachers in his district was a step further to show his commitment to education and to lend support to the key people behind the driving wheels in the schools.