From our hearts to yours: A Teachers’ Day message from SAREP |06 October 2026
From our hearts to yours: A Teachers’ Day message from SAREP
“On this World Teachers’ Day, the Association of Retired Education Professionals (SAREP) stands in proud solidarity with educators, past, present and future. Today as we look at the classrooms across Seychelles we feel an overwhelming sense of pride – and deep understanding. This year’s global theme, ‘Standing with teachers – 60 years of protecting the profession, advancing its status and shaping our futures’, carries profound significance for us as retirees. It is not just a slogan. It is the story of our lives. We are the living chapters of this 60-year legacy, and we still carry the experiences in our memories and the love for teaching in our hearts.
“To our practicing colleagues, still carrying the torch of education today: we see you, and we walk with you. We know firsthand the sacrifice, the heavy responsibilities, the many challenges you face, and how much energy it takes to navigate today's rapidly changing world. Please know that you are not alone. Though we have stepped away from the day-to-day teaching responsibilities, we have not stepped away from being a teacher. We appreciate your immense effort and we stand firmly with you. The classroom may change but our shared mission will continue.
“To our newly retired colleagues who have recently walked out of the school gates: congratulations on reaching this beautiful milestone. Welcome to this new chapter of your journey! Your active service in the classroom may have come to an end, but your immense wealth of knowledge is more valuable than ever. We warmly invite you to join the SAREP family, where your passion can continue to burn brightly in a new way.
“To our devoted members already within SAREP, thank you for keeping the flame alive. Retirement has not diminished your spirit or your drive. Day in and day out, your enthusiasm reminds us that once a teacher, always a teacher. Through our Sesel Lir Avek Mwan (SLAM) campaign and the Mon Premye Liv project, you are channeling that lifelong love into reaching out to our youngest citizens, volunteering your precious time to foster reading from birth.
“Your dedication ensures that before children ever sit at a school desk, they already carry a strong love for books and a joy for reading and listening to stories. Thank you for your tireless energy and for proving that our collective impact will live on. Keep pressing forward – our association needs your contribution and unwavering commitment now more than ever.
“As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, our voice remains strong in calling for the continued support of the policy makers, stakeholders and the community in safeguarding the dignity and protection of teachers, and respect for the teaching profession.
“A nation's future is only as bright as the teachers who guide it. Thank you for your steadfast dedication, your limitless patience, and your deep and unconditional love for children.
“Happy Teachers’ Day to all who have answered this noble calling.”
The Executive Committee
SAREP