Nurturing children at an early age is one of the most difficult tasks for teachers.

Nurturing children at an early age is one of the most difficult tasks for teachers.

Because they spend more time with the children than their parents, teachers invariably find that the task of instilling discipline and mentoring pupils lies with them.

By recognising primary school teachers who perform above their normal duties, the Department of Education is encouraging excellence among tutors at schools countrywide.

One of the teachers who has been rewarded for going the extra mile is Lorraine Mabitsela of Braam Fischer Primary School in Soweto, who was last week voted the best teacher in the country.

However, most teachers can only excel in their chosen vocation if they receive support. Implementing or improving the schools feeding scheme can, for example, go a long way to making their work easier.

Thousands of children from poor families still walk long distances to school, where they arrive hungry and unable to concentrate in class.

Others still receive classes under trees and in dilapidated buildings.

These issues have to be urgently addressed to encourage teacher and pupil excellence at schools.