The Dominica Association of Teachers (DAT) has organized a full, week-long slate of community-focused, wellness-centered, and celebratory activities for 2026 Teachers Week, built around the core theme “Teachers: The Foundation of National Development – Value Us.” The event series, which kicked off earlier this month, is designed to highlight the critical work of educators across the island and invite the public to join in recognizing their contributions to national growth.
According to Juanita Carbon, DAT’s Public Relations Officer, official activities launched on September 26 and 27 with island-wide interfaith prayer services held at houses of worship across Dominica, opening the week with a moment of collective reflection on educators’ impact. Following the opening services, the schedule moved into community engagement programming on September 28: the “DAT in the Street” initiative brought association leaders and members to Portsmouth and its surrounding neighborhoods, creating a space for local residents to share personal stories and reflections about how their teachers have shaped their lives and trajectories.
The next day, September 29, will be dedicated to a digital social media campaign that amplifies the work and stories of individual teachers from every corner of Dominica, bringing their contributions to a wider national audience online. Mid-week, on September 30, the focus shifts entirely to educators’ own well-being, as DAT partners with the Ministry of Health to host “Wellness Wednesday” across the island. This initiative will give all teachers free access to comprehensive health screenings and routine wellness checks at public and private health facilities, complemented by targeted “Relax and Unwind” programming that supports physical activity, mental health maintenance, and emotional decompression. The day will close with casual community karaoke nights held at two popular local venues: The Launch in Picard and Cozy Corner at The Realm.
October 1 marks the official observance of Teachers’ Appreciation Day, a day dedicated to encouraging students, parents, and all members of the public to actively recognize and thank local educators for their years of service. Teachers themselves will get the chance to connect and unwind with peers through a series of recreational creative activities, including Sip and Paint, Sip and Dip, and a group bonfire night that fosters fellowship, creativity, and much-needed rest after a busy school term.
The formal Teachers’ Day celebration will take place on October 2, kicking off at 9:00 a.m. with a Thanksgiving and Recognition Service at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Newtown. During the service, educators will be formally honored for their lasting contributions to Dominica’s national development. Following the service, teachers will gather at Plantation House in Castle Comfort for an evening cocktail celebration titled “Sunset Bliss.”
The entire week of events will conclude on October 5, which marks global World Teachers’ Day. To close the observance, Her Excellency Sylvanie Burton, President of the Commonwealth of Dominica, will deliver a special national radio address addressing the island’s educator community. In a statement shared ahead of the celebrations, the DAT National Executive and its Youth Arm extended warm wishes to all teachers across Dominica, and urged both educators and members of the public to take part in the full lineup of planned activities.