The Grand Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei addressed thousands of teachers of Kerman Province on the second day of his provincial tour on Monday, May 2.
The gathering was held on the occasion of the Teachers Day and also the 26th martyrdom anniversary of the renowned Islamic philosopher, scholar and educator Ayatollah Morteza Motahhari.
Addressing the gathering, the Leader stated that teachers are the ones who shape the future of the country and the identity of the young generation. He described the holding of the commemorative ceremony as a sign of the great respect that is expressed for teachers in society.
Ayatollah Khamenei told the audience that the Islamic system holds a deeply principled and ideological attitude toward training and education. He also stated that no change will take place in society unless teachers and educators play a basic role in bringing about that change.
Pointing to the fact that the role of teachers is in some cases even more meaningful than the role of parents, the Leader further stated, "If we aim to bring up a generation that is endowed with self-confidence, social discipline, a strong sense of responsibility, competence, faithfulness, dedication and perseverance, the key to accomplishing this objective lies in the hands of our educational system."
Ayatollah Khamenei emphasized that the government should take due measures to solve the financial problems of teachers, but he noted that the existing problems should not negatively affect the commitment of teachers to their jobs and the performance of their duties.
Stressing the necessity of having a high regard for teachers and raising their status in society, the Leader of the Islamic Republic stated, "The status of teachers will really be raised in society if they play their basic role in sealing the fate and future of our country. Therefore, the teachers can be instrumental in enhancing their own status in society."
Ayatollah Khamenei considered the training and education of a faithful and knowledgeable generation the most important duty of teachers.
"The country's development, the society's material and spiritual progress and attaining the first rank in the region, which has been foreseen in the 20-Year Perspective Document, are contingent on deepening the faith and increasing the religious incentives of the public, especially the young generation. Teachers are entrusted with heavy duties in this area and are expected to fulfill their major role in accomplishing these objectives," the Leader told the audience.