Learning to value educators

Judy Smith
Contributing Writer

FARIMA Roberts wants everyone to value teachers as much as she does.

Roberts, part of the North Shore's Baha'i community, is saluting teachers in North Vancouver School District 44 by helping organize her fourth annual Teacher's Appreciation Day.

"Our society underestimates all the services they are receiving," said Roberts. "All we are trying to do is extend our appreciation of teachers and value their station in society."

Education is crucial in the Baha'i faith. Its web site lists the century-old faith as the second most widespread of the world's independent religions, established in 235 countries and territories. Its five million members come from more than 2,100 ethnic, racial and tribal groups.

The founder of the faith, Baha'u'llah, believed there is one God who progressively reveals his will to humanity.

Baha'i members are trying to break down barriers of prejudice between people and to collaborate with other like-minded groups to promote a society in which humanity is viewed as a single people with a common destiny.

Set to coincide with UNESCO's World Teacher's Day on Oct. 5, Roberts invites educators from all schools in the district to Teacher's Appreciation Day.

Appreciation day events begin at 4 p.m. on Monday at the Leo Marshall Curriculum Centre and will feature a panel with Linda Watson, vice-president of the B.C. Teachers Federation; Barb Scobi, a member of the parent advisory council; and Dr. Elaine McCreary, head of the Community Service Institute of Maxwell International Baha'i School.

Refreshments will be served.