The local branches of education unions and school administration in Mauritania's Gourma Rharous celebrated World Teachers' Day on October 5, following a tradition established by UNESCO. The event was held at the Rharous town hall conference room, presided over by Captain Ousmane Coulibaly, the central sub-prefect representing the prefect of the circle. Also in attendance were Souleymane Aguissa Maïga, the second deputy mayor of Rharous commune, and Mahamadou Yacouba Maïga, director of the education academy.
The ceremony was attended by school authorities, local education union representatives, partners of the school, including the ADRA/MALI NGO, and a large gathering of teachers. Three key interventions marked the ceremony. The first was a welcome speech by the mayor's representative, who praised the courage and dedication of teachers in the challenging context of Gourma Rharous. He acknowledged their hard work and commitment to education.
The spokesperson for the unions, Ibrahim H. Traoré, delivered a strong speech, recalling the sector's concerns, including improving working conditions, ensuring teacher safety, and enhancing the teaching profession. He emphasized the importance of addressing these issues to ensure quality education. The audience received his speech positively, recognizing the validity of the concerns raised.
In his opening speech, Captain Ousmane Coulibaly, on behalf of the prefect, paid tribute to teachers, reaffirming the administration's commitment to supporting them in line with this year's theme. He acknowledged the crucial role teachers play in shaping the future and promised continued support. The administration's commitment to teachers was well-received by the attendees.
After the official opening speech, recognition certificates were awarded to deserving teachers for their services to the school. This gesture boosted the morale of the teaching community, acknowledging their hard work and dedication. The certificates served as a reminder of the importance of their role in education.
The highlight of the day was a conference-debate on the international theme of 2026: "Supporting Teachers: 60 Years of Protecting the Profession, Promoting Teaching Conditions, and Shaping Our Futures." The conference was led by Mohamed Ag Mahmoud, a teacher-researcher, who developed the theme into three essential dimensions: symbolic, professional, and material. The conference sparked fruitful discussions with the audience.
The ceremony concluded in a convivial and hopeful atmosphere, with a firm commitment from all parties to make the school a pillar of development in Gourma Rharous. The event demonstrated the importance of collaboration between stakeholders in education, including teachers, administrators, and local authorities. The discussions and agreements reached during the ceremony are expected to have a positive impact on education in the region.
Key points
- Education unions and school administration in Mauritania's Gourma Rharous celebrated World Teachers' Day on October 5.
