by Sumon Corraya

Children’s education is centred on the family and the school. Christian educators have an important role in building a just society. Missionary teachers face challenges. The Christian identity plays a role.

Dhaka (AsiaNews) - "Parents are children’s first and most important teachers,” said Mgr Gervas Rozario, bishop of Rajshahi and president of Caritas Bangladesh. However, “In addition to the family, Catholic teachers have a duty to provide quality education in schools and universities.” Indeed, teachers “have to provide students the best education possible according to the teachings of the Catholic Church,” he added.

The prelate spoke last Friday at the Notre Dame College Auditorium before the Dhaka City Christian Teachers Conference, which was organised by the Dhaka Archdiocesan Education Commission (DAEC) and the Dhaka City Regional Committee for Education (DCREC).

More than 300 administrators and teachers from various Catholic schools attended the conference. During the event, tThey honoured 20 veteran educators and teachers who played an important part in improving education and training of young people in the country.

"Every Catholic teacher has a responsibility to provide quality education based on the values ​​of the Gospel, so that students can be enlightened human beings,” Mgr Rozario explained.

In his address, the Caritas president mentioned the 50th anniversary of Vatican II and the role education and the Christian identity play in running educational facilities.

"You are called by God to teach,” he told the Catholic educators present. “You shape human beings. Yours is a great profession. You must teach in order to improve human beings.”

Some former educators spoke about the key role the profession plays in educating young people. They also noted the challenges ahead and the need for greater efforts to improve teaching methods.

Fr Harold Bijoy Rodrigues, a physician who is a member of Congregation of the Holy Cross (CSC) and secretary of the Bangladesh Christian Education Board (BCEB), talked about identity, challenges, contributions and responsibilities.

"To be a missionary in an educational facility means having to face many difficulties,” he said, “but we can address them through prayer, tireless efforts and dedication to our profession."

• bangladesh
• catholic
• education
• conference