Private school teachers have criticised school owners for not involving them in the e-learning programme amidst the covid-19 pandemic which has greatly affected their social-economic status.

The claim comes at a time when the country is promoting e-learning to bridge the education gaps.

Ronald Mpagi, Principal Good Times Kawala Primary School said out of the 150 teaching staff, only 20 of them have been enrolled for the online learning process which leaves many teachers struggling.

Mpagi noted that, the existence of covid-19 has not only affected the teachers but also the pupils' turn out. He says they  have faced challenges of adapting to the new normal of the pandemic.

“When covid-19 came we had over 2,000 pupils attending physical classes which has dropped to between 300 to 350 pupils in the entire school”, Mpagi added.

Gershom Agaba (Right), the circulation and copy sells Manager handing over the an award of appreciation to Richard Omumwa, the head teacher Mbuya parents for promoting education through the use of Newspapers at their school on October 5, 2021

COVID-19 has been a great challenge especially to private teachers who rely on their monthly earnings to sustain their family demands, he noted.

The teacher's call was made during the commemoration of International Teachers Day celebrated on October 5 every year.

The day was under the theme of "Teachers at the heart of education recovery’’

Mpagi encouraged parents that the introduction of the online study programme is not for financial exploitations but to keep pupils busy especially when many are stuck at home.

Despite of all the challenges that the pandemic has posed to the education sector in the country, it has helped our pupils to manipulate the computers, iPad hence enabling them to pick such skills, which they would not have been able to acquire  while in physical classes.

 James Kanyasi, the head teacher Elyon Primary School in Mutungo said that, as private, teachers many of the teachers have greatly relied on the mercies of their bosses which also came in after some months.

“When covid-19 started, there was no payment to teachers since many of us have always been paid at the end of the month after service delivery’’ Kanyasi noted

He said Covid-19 has mainly affected teacher’s financial status which has greatly hindered the sustainability of the basic needs for the teachers and their families.