Teachers’ Week |06 October 2023
‘Let us work together to inspire our children’ – Christian Toussaint, art teacher
It was already 1pm and it was time for my second interview for the day. Just like all teachers, Christian was having a busy Teachers’ Week and I was lucky enough to get a few minutes of his time. Thankfully, he felt the importance of sharing a few words to touch the hearts of those out there aspiring to join the teaching profession.
Christian Toussaint, 27, welcomed me with a smile, as he picked up all his paperwork. It has been a long day, but he had enjoyed every minute of it, as sharing his talents with his students is dear to him.
So who is Christian Toussaint?
“A simple young man who grew up at Ma Constance in a family of four. I went to school at Anse Etoile both crèche and primary, then attended English River secondary school. I then spent three years at the Seychelles Institute for Art and Design where I was inspired to become an artist since I was very interested in such fields,” he told me.
Along the way, Christian met some devoted teachers who motivated him to enhance his knowledge and understanding in art. And voila, after persevering and listening to words of advice, he obtained a diploma in fine arts.
His journey
“It did not come easy, I had to study hard and work in a smart manner,” he added.
But Christian did not stop there. His next move was to pursue a career in teaching and so his passion for art and sharing his knowledge and skills led him to the Seychelles Institute for Teacher Education (SITE). He spent three years there before receiving another diploma – this time in education for the arts.
He is now employed as an art teacher at English River secondary school.
“Since I wanted to continue a career in arts it is for this reason I decided to become a teacher so that I can continue to inspire others especially the students to develop an interest in various forms of art and improve their knowledge and skills in music, dance, drama and fine art,” he explained.
Use your challenges as motivation
“It has been five years since I am working as a qualified teacher and throughout my journey I have faced different challenges with different groups of students from S1 to S5.”
“However until now I have never experienced any situation which has discouraged me and forced me to quit teaching. On the other hand, as a teacher I enjoy working with students and other colleagues to continue promoting the arts,” he said happily.
“Challenges are there and they make our journeys meaningful. They allow us to grow, learn and better ourselves. So let us use our challenges to motivate us to soar higher, and no matter the hardship, do not allow yourselves to be defeated. Learn to rise and believe in your power.”
One for the road…..
“My advice as a teacher is to encourage students to study hard and to take their education seriously, and why not take teaching as a profession,” he said.
“As a young teacher I believe that students need us to help them understand and learn new things in their everyday lives so that they can also be inspired to choose what they want to become in the future.”
“I believe Teachers’ Day is a very special moment for us to appreciate all teachers for their dedication, work, time and energy invested in the education system. So to my fellow colleagues, believe in yourselves, and remember that you are appreciated and acknowledged.”
Photos: Contributed
