As the world celebrates World Teachers Day, Airtel Africa has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting educators across the continent and working towards a future where every teacher is valued.
In a statement, Airtel Africa’s Chief Executive Officer, Sunil Taldar, acknowledged the vital role that teachers have in the society, describing them as mentors, role models, and catalysts for innovation and change.
World Teachers Day is commemorated on 5 October every year and this years theme is “Valuing teacher voices: towards a new social contract for education.”
In his message, he highlighted the often-overlooked resilience of teachers, who work with limited resources, large class sizes, and inadequate access to technology, yet continue to inspire students across the continent.
“The company’s ongoing commitment to education can never be over emphasized, The Airtel Africa Free Education program that was launched in collaboration with UNICEF is providing millions of children across 13 countries with free access to digital learning content. Since its inception, Airtel Africa has trained over 15,000 teachers, with a goal of upskilling 8,500 more in the coming year. Moreover, nearly 1,900 schools have been connected to the internet, offering thousands of students an opportunity to engage in quality learning previously reserved for the privileged”, he said.
Taldar stressed the importance of investing in teachers for the future, advocating for continuous professional development and better working conditions. He therefore called upon governments, private sector partners, and communities to work together in creating supportive environments for educators.
“By investing in our educators, we invest in our children’s futures and, ultimately, in the prosperity of our nations,” he said.
Airtel Africa continues to play a leading role in education empowerment, offering both students and teachers the tools they need to thrive in the 21st century.
