An event to celebrate the work of teachers was held today in the East End.

The Corporation of St George’s held its annual teacher appreciation day to mark Unesco World Teachers’ Day 2018.

The event also marks the 70th anniversary of the UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which said education was a fundamental right and established a right to free compulsory education for children.

The theme of this year’s event was “The right to education means the right to a qualified teacher”.

Rose Douglas, a former teacher at East End Primary School and St George’s Secondary School, was honoured at the event.

Diallo Rabian, the Minister of Education, said: “We are pleased to take time today to honour Ms Douglas and all of our exceptional teachers for their service and the sacrifices that they make for our children.

“I appreciate the efforts of our teachers who motivate and care for our students for more than seven hours, five days a week.”

The Minister added that island had a “high level” of qualified teachers.

He said: “The results are evident by the increase in graduation and examination outcomes that was recently announced.”

Mr Rabain said that one of the objectives of Plan 2022 — the island’s strategic plan for public education — was to improve the quality of teaching to boost pupil achievement.

He added: “The Ministry and the Department are committed to ensuring that our teachers have the resources, training and personal development.”