TEWU honours GIS teachers, non-teaching staff to mark World Teachers Day
The Teachers and Educational Workers Union (TEWU) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) has honoured outstanding Ghana International School (GIS) staff from various teaching levels and non-teaching departments for their dedication and impact.
The awards ceremony, organised in conjunction with the Canadian Teachers Federation, was part of TEWU's activities to mark this year's World Teachers Day at the premises of the GIS in Accra yesterday.
The departments that won the collective awards included the infant school, primary, lower secondary, upper secondary and education support personnel.
Also, TEWU presented a citation to GIS for its dedication to raising excellent students.
In attendance were the Greater Accra Regional Chairman of TEWU, Rev. Adu Poku, the Second National Trustee, Ken Botwey, the Gender Coordinator, Theodora Dede Amanor, the Administrator, Eric Bosompem Twum, the Industrial Relations Officer - Greater Accra, Goodnews Aforve, and the Vice Principal of the Lower Secondary School at the GIS, Angela Vanderpuije.
National progress
Speaking at the event, the Deputy General Secretary of TEWU, Gifty Abena Turkson, said for the first time TEWU partnered with GIS and the Canadian Teachers’ Federation to celebrate teachers and education support staff in recognition of their immense contribution to raising future leaders.
She emphasised the importance of educators as the foundation of national progress, citing the global significance of the day, on the theme “Together for Teachers, Together for Tomorrow.”
"To our teachers: thank you. You don’t just teach facts; you light the way with hope, courage and discipline.
You don’t only prepare students for exams; you prepare them for life.
Where others see mistakes, you see potential. You fill classrooms with stories, songs and joy, turning lessons into journeys. Long after textbooks are closed, students remember how you made them feel valued, confident and ready to face the world," she said.
Vital role of educators
The Vice Principal of the Lower Secondary School of GIS celebrated the vital roles of both unions and educators in national development.
Drawing on her personal background — her father was a dedicated union leader, Mrs Vanderpuije highlighted how values such as collective bargaining and peaceful negotiation shaped her worldview.
The GIS Vice Principal for lower secondary further emphasised that education was a collective effort, involving not just teachers, but also support staff such as drivers, technicians, cleaners and administrative personnel.
"Everyone is critical to the advancement of education so we must unite to improve education throughout Ghana through the support of TEWU," she stressed.
She expressed regret that although teachers were the backbone of any society, they were not appreciated enough in everyday life.
“We need to remember the respect that teachers deserve for what they do not only go for individuals but for the entire society.
No one can be successful in life without education," Mrs Vanderpuije stated.
