Catholic Teachers in Ghana Urged to Uphold High Moral Standards to Counter “upsurge in social vices”

The 2025 Catholic Education Week, themed “The Catholic School Teacher, a Good Shepherd in Our Contemporary Time,” will be marked by a series of events and activities in Catholic Churches and schools nationwide. 

It aims to highlight the significance of Catholic education and its contributions to the Church and society.

In his message, Mr. Batadjon made a direct appeal to head teachers to adhere to the Church’s directives in managing schools and to prevent any attempts by teachers to use classrooms as platforms for undermining the Catholic faith. 

“Catholic Official underscored the necessity of decency in teachers’ speech, mannerisms, and dress-code, pointing out their vital role in shaping young minds. 

“As a guide and role model, the Catholic school teacher should be ready and willing to show the way through his or her exemplary lifestyle,” he said.

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According to Mr. Batadjon, effective teaching goes beyond professional qualifications to include attributes like integrity, patience, humility, and excellent communication skills. 

He urged teachers to see their work as a vocation rather than merely a job.

“Given the fact that the Catholic school teacher does not operate in a vacuum, he or she needs to possess additional attributes to enhance his or her work aside from being professional,” Mr. Batadjon said.

He enumerated qualities essential for a Catholic school teacher, including a passion for teaching, lifelong learning, the ability to nurture students’ social, mental, and spiritual growth, and adherence to both the teachers’ code of conduct and Church directives. 

Mr. Batadjon reminded teachers of the immense responsibility they bear and the need to continually upgrade their skills to assume leadership roles within schools and broader society.

According to the official program availed to ACI Africa, on Sunday, January 26 the week will be launched during Holy Masses in Parishes across the country.

On Monday, January 27, pupils in basic schools will embark on a march with placards through streets.

Local managers of schools are expected to celebrate Holy Masses on Tuesday, January 28 with the pupils and students and thereafter give a talk on the theme “Shepherding Role of a Catholic School Teacher”. They are also expected to highlight on St. Thomas Aquinas Day and the need to celebrate him as Patron Saint for all students.

Other activities lined up for the rest of the days include exhibition of talents of pupils and students, quiz competitions among pupils and students and a closing Mass on Sunday, February 2.

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.