Prime Minister Ünal Üstel on Wednesday wished all teachers who devotedly perform their duties in every corner of the country, a special day.

Üstel who issued a written message on the occasion of November 24 Teachers’ Day said that teachers were the beacon of hope for the future.

In his message, Üstel noted that teaching was undoubtedly one of the hardest professions of all that required patience, tolerance and sacrifice.

He added that a teacher who chooses this profession needed to adopt Atatürk’s principles and reforms, be faithful to his/her country, and carefully protect society’s spiritual and cultural values.

“Teachers are the beacon of hope for our children and our future. Apart from a healthy family environment, schools are the most important environment where a child should be happy and peaceful. Teachers are the most important role model for children following their families. In this respect, the place of the teacher is very special” the premier said.

The prime minister also warned that children today required more protection and guidance against bad habits such as addictions whether it is use of substances or technology.

“I believe that it is only possible for young generations to stay away from all this through education, and that the greatest responsibility falls on teachers to make sure that they grow up away of its consequences,” he said.

Üstel said that the government was continuing to take steps to reform the education system and to adapt it to changing conditions and developments.