MALAYSIA - EVERY day, in millions of classrooms around the world, the universal endeavour of teaching and learning takes place. The gift of literacy is passed from one generation to the next, along with love of learning and thirst for knowledge. When knowledge is shared, skills are gained and lives can be changed.

Unesco inaugurated Oct 5 as World Teachers Day.

On this day, the world community celebrates teachers and the central role they play in nurturing and guiding infants, children, youth and adults through the life-long learning process.

This year's theme "Teachers Matter!" emphasises on teacher shortage, insufficient training, society's lack of respect for the profession and the policies needed to tackle these challenges.

To commemorate this day, the National Union of the Teaching Profession will hold a forum in Perlis on Oct 31 to discuss the role of teachers in achieving quality education in schools.