I know the problems faced by primary teachers
May 27, 2005
SIR — This is in response to a letter published on May 23. The writers think I am frustrating the salary increment of primary teachers.
SIR — This is in response to a letter published on May 23. The writers think I am frustrating the salary increment of primary teachers.
This is based on hearsay. the Ministry of Education is already implementing the presidential pledge of paying primary teachers a minimum of sh200,000.
The teachers are however concerned why the ministry is not implementing the pledge at a go from sh113,000 to 200,000. I have explained to the teachers that doing that would mean rising close to sh136b which is beyond the education sector budget.
The issue of salaries causing inflation came when I was comparing the kakobogo (unplanned salary increment) of the UPC government in the early ‘80s, which ended up eroding the purchasing power of the civil servants. I did not say that the primary teachers’ salary alone could cause inflation.
I further explained to the teachers that as we implement the presidential pledge, the sector will not lose focus of recruiting more teachers to handle the growing numbers in UPE schools, more classroom construction and instructional materials and enhanced teacher training.
I know the problems facing the primary subsector and the welfare of teachers is top priority to make UPE a success.
I would be the last person to frustrate the teachers’ quest for improved pay since I well know that they cannot separate learning from teaching.
Nyombi Thembo
Minister of State for primary Education
This is based on hearsay. the Ministry of Education is already implementing the presidential pledge of paying primary teachers a minimum of sh200,000.
The teachers are however concerned why the ministry is not implementing the pledge at a go from sh113,000 to 200,000. I have explained to the teachers that doing that would mean rising close to sh136b which is beyond the education sector budget.
The issue of salaries causing inflation came when I was comparing the kakobogo (unplanned salary increment) of the UPC government in the early ‘80s, which ended up eroding the purchasing power of the civil servants. I did not say that the primary teachers’ salary alone could cause inflation.
I further explained to the teachers that as we implement the presidential pledge, the sector will not lose focus of recruiting more teachers to handle the growing numbers in UPE schools, more classroom construction and instructional materials and enhanced teacher training.
I know the problems facing the primary subsector and the welfare of teachers is top priority to make UPE a success.
I would be the last person to frustrate the teachers’ quest for improved pay since I well know that they cannot separate learning from teaching.
Nyombi Thembo
Minister of State for primary Education