World Teachers Day was marked in Samoa on Thursday with a teacher's award ceremony hosted by the Ministry of Education Sports and Culture recognising the work of teachers in the country.

The Teacher's Award ceremony was hosted by the Ministry and held at the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa (C.C.C.S) hall at Sogi.

Close to 100 current teachers as well as retirees were present at the award ceremony on Thursday where their contribution to the teaching profession was acknowledged.

In his keynote address on Thursday afternoon, the Minister of Education Sports and Culture, Seuula Ioane emphasised the importance of teachers' roles in society.

"Today we are going to witness teachers and school inspectors' achievements in the duty and responsibilities in work under the guidance and leadership of the Ministry," he said.

The day according to the Minister is to acknowledge the hard work of the teachers and their responsibilities while urging them to be successful in their work.

"Work smart and work with faith," he said. "Do everything to the best of your ability."

According to a statement issued by the Ministry, teaching is conceptual and intellectual, abstract and concrete, creative and sequential. 

"It’s about people but framed through ideas. It’s about content, hearts, minds, the past, the future–whatever we can imagine, teaching and learning are both causes and effects," the M.E.S.C. statement reads.

"It is a noble profession which comes with so much responsibility and duty towards the students. Teachers do not only teach and impart knowledge but inspire and motivate students for life and take important steps in life. 

"They keep working to boost the confidence of students and direct them in the right direction. There are many teachers who dedicate their lives in empowering their students and making them a better and successful human being in their life.

"The demands made of teachers, school leaders and teacher educators are high. They play a critical role in achieving high-quality education for all learners and, therefore, need to continuously develop their competences. 

"Initial education and continuous professional development need to be of the highest quality, and access to professional support throughout their careers is essential."

Global celebrations of the World Teachers Day is normally scheduled for 5 October of each year but was brought forward for this year.