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Mar 30, 2010
<b>Plight of teachers deeper than imagined</b><br>I am writing in response to your education article published last week about the plight of teachers in private schools. The frustrations of teachers in the private sector are deeper than what people imagine. I see unemployment as the greatest under
Plight of teachers deeper than imagined
I am writing in response to your education article published last week about the plight of teachers in private schools. The frustrations of teachers in the private sector are deeper than what people imagine. I see unemployment as the greatest underlying cause.
Teachers might understand they have a right to demand for an appointment letter, but how enforceable is it? Most teachers who resort to private schools sometimes do so after years of searching for jobs in vain. Some of them are happy when they have something to do instead of just sitting home with their qualifications.
Desperation often places job seekers at a disadvantage. It is not possible to negotiate the terms with the school. Or if they negotiate, school directors will most likely ensure the terms favour them, not the teachers.
This will continue unless the problem of unemployment is addressed. We should remember that anything that affects the teacher affects the child too. There has been too much lip service and it is time for action.
I still feel the Government is best placed to deal with this problem. If the Government can set minimum standards before the school is licensed to operate, then it can also set standards for teachers’ welfare and salary.
Education ministry, please act.
Gerald Busingye
I am writing in response to your education article published last week about the plight of teachers in private schools. The frustrations of teachers in the private sector are deeper than what people imagine. I see unemployment as the greatest underlying cause.
Teachers might understand they have a right to demand for an appointment letter, but how enforceable is it? Most teachers who resort to private schools sometimes do so after years of searching for jobs in vain. Some of them are happy when they have something to do instead of just sitting home with their qualifications.
Desperation often places job seekers at a disadvantage. It is not possible to negotiate the terms with the school. Or if they negotiate, school directors will most likely ensure the terms favour them, not the teachers.
This will continue unless the problem of unemployment is addressed. We should remember that anything that affects the teacher affects the child too. There has been too much lip service and it is time for action.
I still feel the Government is best placed to deal with this problem. If the Government can set minimum standards before the school is licensed to operate, then it can also set standards for teachers’ welfare and salary.
Education ministry, please act.
Gerald Busingye