The value of teaching and art in children's development.

Dar es Salaam. Many parents hold the illusion that careers in teaching are less prestigious compared to high-paying fields like engineering, medicine, law, or accounting.

However, as globalisation continues to grow, it is crucial for parents to start viewing teaching as a respected profession and to encourage their children to consider it as a career option.

This was stated on Saturday, June 8, by the Head of School (International Section) at Aga Khan Mzizima Secondary School (AKMSS), Dr Arun Mukherjee, during the Aga Khan Schools Alumni Reunion Network Event held at AKMSS grounds.

Dr Arun pointed out that very few students acknowledge teaching as a viable profession.

"Out of so many students, very few have acknowledged teaching as a profession. This is an area we need to consider. Teaching is a noble profession, and if the alumni do not consider it as such, the teaching profession will soon die out.

Everybody wants to become a doctor or an engineer, which is good; we need them. But to build the capacity of doctors and engineers, we need teachers too. So, this is my request: you must encourage your children to consider teaching as a profession," he shared.

Adding to the conversation, Stara Thomas, a Bongo Flava artist and alumna of Aga Khan School, highlighted the significant role of art in children's development.

She urged parents and teachers to invest in artistic pursuits.

"Art has a great potential to develop children. Despite all my mischief during my studies, I was disciplined in my sports. Every game that children play provides them with something mentally, physically, and healthily," she said.

 Ambassador Noel Kaganda, director of the Department of Multilateral Cooperation at the ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, also spoke at the event.

 He praised the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) for its efforts to improve education and health in Tanzania.

"I commend Aga Khan for its important interventions, which are aimed at developing human capacity in full health care and education, building the resilience of communities to mitigate natural disasters, including those triggered by climate change, but also interventions towards generating economic growth, including empowering women and youth, and last but not least, honouring cultural heritage, which is truly a virtue for the United Republic of Tanzania," he shared.

Ambassador Kaganda emphasised that these interventions support government efforts to improve people's livelihoods and achieve sustainable development for all.

Encouraging children to pursue careers in teaching and the arts not only enriches their own lives but also builds the foundation for a well-rounded and resilient society.

By recognising the value of these professions, we can ensure a future where educators and artists are appreciated for their crucial contributions to development and culture.