Samoa joined countries around the world on Thursday and marked World Teacher's Day which recognises the hard work, dedication, service and sacrifice of teachers. 

In a ceremony held at the Don Bosco Hall and compound at Salelologa in Savai'i, the celebration was attended by cabinet ministers, associate ministers, teachers, school principals and school inspectors. 

Guided by the theme "Our health is your wealth", the formalities of the day commenced with a parade, followed by a small service led by Pastor Pou Tuigamala of the Assembly of God in Salelologa. 

The Minister of Education and Culture, Seuula Ioane delivered the keynote address and spoke on behalf of the Government and the country to thank all the teachers for their hard work and service. 

Seuula also used the opportunity to remind the gathering that a teacher is a fountain of knowledge and a paragon of virtues. 

"Let this commemoration be a reminder of your duty and responsibility to nurture and educate the future leaders of the country, villages and our communities," Seuula said. "On this special occasion, may you all be reminded of your great contribution to the development of our families, villages and nation.

"We remember your hard work, sacrifices and service to the community and Samoa and we thank you. Every year on 5 October, countries all around the world pause to pay tribute to the hard work and dedication of all the educators. It's an opportunity to also reflect on their great contribution and also to acknowledge their service."

Seuula also used the opportunity to remind everyone in the education sector to be mindful of their own health and urged them to take care of themselves as they go about their jobs of educating Samoa's next generation. 

"The theme of this year's celebration is a reminder that as a teacher, you need to take care of yourself, physically, mentally and spiritually so you can carry out your roles and responsibilities to the best of your abilities. 

"So you can continue to educate, teach and nurture the future leaders of this country. We truly believe that all the leaders we now have and the successful people we have in the country and abroad are all because of the hard work and dedication of our teachers, past and present. 

"Those who paved the way for us are no longer with us but it is our duty to continue this very important profession. We will continue to pray to God for his protection and provisions upon all the teachers of Samoa."