VANDRBIJLPARK – Teachers were the stars of the day as NWU hosted a heartfelt celebration in honour of International Teachers’ Day. While the global observance officially takes place on October 5, the campus commemorated the occasion at a later date, continuing NWU’s proud tradition of recognising exceptional educators across its three campuses.

International Teachers’ Day, established by UNESCO in 1994, is dedicated to honouring the pivotal role teachers play in shaping the minds and futures of learners around the world. It’s a day that calls for appreciation of their hard work, passion, and transformative influence on education and society.
This year, the celebration brought together approximately 60 teachers, each nominated by their learners in recognition of their dedication, leadership, and lasting impact in the classroom.

The event opened with a warm welcome from Dr Janet Kruger and an address by Dr Elize Küng, Deputy Dean of Education: Community Engagement and Stakeholder Relations, who spoke about the significance and spirit of the day.

“This event was truly a success,” said Küng. “It reminded us of the vital role teachers play – not only in classrooms but in communities and across generations. The energy, participation, and heartfelt appreciation shared throughout the day were a testament to the impact educators have.”
The day featured a vibrant mix of celebration and reflection. Festivities began with a lively “Let’s Play Bingo” session led by Kruger and Takataso Phali, setting the tone for a joyful and engaging day.

Adding to the warm and personal atmosphere, table mats featured handwritten messages from learners, expressing heartfelt appreciation for their teachers. These messages brought smiles, laughter, and even a few tears, as educators read the words of gratitude penned by those they inspire daily.
Outside the venue, stalls created a lively atmosphere, offering opportunities for interaction and exploration. A standout among them was the LUMA project, which drew attention for its innovative, educational, and community-driven initiatives.

The formal programme included an inspirational talk by Darren August, which left a deep and lasting impression on the audience. In a particularly emotional segment, Eddie Kok and a group of students shared personal messages of thanks and admiration, underscoring the powerful influence teachers have in shaping young lives.

Other highlights of the day included a creative workshop on De Bono’s Six Thinking Hats, facilitated by Lizelle Van Schadewijk and her students, a creative, inspirational ball game activity by Vernique Diedricks and her students, as well as a future-focused presentation on Artificial Intelligence in the Classroom by Robyn Bunt.

Throughout the event, educators enjoyed a well-deserved day of refreshments and ample opportunity to relax, reflect, and reconnect with peers in an atmosphere of appreciation and camaraderie. The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Küng, who applauded the collaborative effort that made the day so special.

“International Teachers’ Day is more than just a calendar event,” she said. “It’s a meaningful opportunity to acknowledge, appreciate, and celebrate those who shape minds and futures every day.”