Teachers have contributed to their own trials and tribulations!

Jan 30, 2006

SIR — I read with dismay the various comments about teachers’ low pay. It is so ridiculous because there seems to be no equal match of activity to show that the teachers themselves are willing to do something to change the situation.

SIR — I read with dismay the various comments about teachers’ low pay. It is so ridiculous because there seems to be no equal match of activity to show that the teachers themselves are willing to do something to change the situation.

A few times a section of teachers go on strike but they are usually calmed down by sweet promises and state-funded lunch workshops to “listen” to their problems.

Many times the blame is heaped on government and politicians. Seldom do we hear the other side of the story.

Much as the government is responsible for employment terms, teachers have to bargain for fairness. The government and politicians need to be educated on the vital role that teachers play in the society.

Many times we assume that everyone in the position of decision-making is aware of the significance of particular decisions. This is the biggest fallacy we put up with.

We tolerate ignorance among decision-makers! Are some of these parliamentarians more analytical than teachers when it comes to national issues?

Why desperately turn to them for solutions? Instead of following the issue of low pay and low morale for teachers, the National Teachers Union has turned priority to implementing the International Labour Organisation (ILO) child labour project.

The paradox is that the exploitation the teachers face is almost of equal proportion to that of the children in Uganda!

The teachers’ concern for the children is wonderful but the image of a blind man leading another is not an easily acceptable one. Rather, we would expect teachers to be more assertive in their bargain now that there is a new political consciousness.

Teachers will continue to blame the politicians and the government with little sympathy from the public because they do not see why a people they once trusted as a source of information, resourcefulness and skills should be the very ones crying over poverty.

The answer can be sought by a deliberate move by teachers to be actively involved in setting goals for this country and being part of the society’s problem solving team.
Until this is achieved, most teachers will be relegated from society’s socio-economic development.

Dominic Okecho
Kampala

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