SCHOOLS around Fiji celebrated World Teachers Day yesterday.
Education Minister Filipe Bole said everyone should take a stand for teachers because they were the best resource that could be invested into a school.
Mr Bole urged communities to render their support to teachers posted to schools within their area.
"I am calling on our communities in the islands, the remote and rural areas to come forward and support our teachers who have been posted away from the comfort of their homes, families, friends and their familiar surroundings to teach in schools within your communities," Mr Bole said.
He said teachers were the base for healthy and law-abiding communities.
Mr Bole urged teachers to up-skill and upgrade their qualifications to improve the quality of teaching and learning.
Deenbandhoo Memorial School in Suva organised a half-day celebration for their teachers yesterday.
Students performed meke and dances and recited poems for their teachers.
Celebration organiser Shynil Chand said it was the only time during the year when children appreciated the teachers' hard work.
"We are grateful because teaching is a noble professions and seeing children appreciating our effort overwhelms us," Mrs Chand said.