Equip teachers with demand-driven market skills - NOTU
Bigirwa said teachers cannot transform if they are operating in constant economic distress and professional uncertainty.
National Organisation of Trade Unions (NOTU) Secretary Richard Bigirwa addresses the press in Kampala. (Photo by Wilfred Sanya)
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The National Organisation of Trade Unions (NOTU) Secretary, Richard Bigirwa, has appealed to government to impart teachers with demand-driven skills that will help them resolve financial challenges.
Bigirwa said teachers cannot transform if they are operating in constant economic distress and professional uncertainty.
In his message to commemorate the annual World Teachers' Day on October 5, Bigirwa extended solidarity to all teachers and non-teaching staff across the world.
The teachers’ day was celebrated under the theme; 'Standing with teachers: 60 years of protecting the profession, advancing its status and shaping our futures'.
He thanked the National Union of Education Institutions and Non-Teaching Staff Union for their tireless contributions in ensuring decent work and social justice at their workplaces.
“Without the teachers’ efforts, learning environments and school operations would not run safely and effectively,” Bigirwa noted, adding that teachers require refresher training to improve on their practical skills and benefit the learners.
He observed that teachers and non-teaching staff are the bedrock of the world of work, adding that "They shape our children, build our communities, and lay the vital foundation for our socio-economic transformation.”
A teacher interacts with pupils during a lesson at Sure Prospects Primary School in Entebbe, Wakiso District. (Photo: Wilfred Sanya)
He simplored government and employers to expedite commitments towards equitable salary enhancements and timely payments.
He explained that NOTU stands with teachers’ and education-related unions in rejecting intimidation or coercive measures against educators seeking redress for their legitimacy.
He said industrial harmony is only achievable through genuine, transparent, and respectful social dialogue rather than threats of dismissal.
Jackson Erima, the Secretary General of the Uganda Liberal Teachers Union, said it was absurd that government banned public celebrations where they would normally air out their needs.
Nonetheless, Erima thanked the Government for increasing the arts teachers' remuneration and soring accommodation and medical insurance issues.