Shimoni move starts
Sep 03, 2006
THE relocation of Shimoni Primary teachers College (PTC) began on Thursday.
By Herbert Ssempogo
THE relocation of Shimoni Primary teachers College (PTC) began on Thursday.
But the tutors at the school protested, saying the education ministry had ambushed them.
One of them, who sat close to one of the classrooms where they commiserated, said a ministry letter asking them to leave was sent to the Principal on Wednesday.
“We have families. We are not goats that can be transported on lorries. They should give us money so that we go when we are ready,†she said.
“We need enough time to prepare. We are not students going for a tour,†another teacher said.
However, an August 30 notice pasted close to the Principal’s office said the institution would soon be relocating to Nyondo PTC in Mbale district.
“Please note that normal business has been temporarily suspended, as we are in the process of parking for Nyondo PTC. Come when the term opens on 18/9/06,†it said.
By 9:00am, support staff at the institution, which is giving way for the construction of a hotel, were carrying items from some rooms to collection points where they were to be picked. As the property was being shifted, crestfallen staff stood in groups as they pondered their next move.
Ben Zirimurinda, who was contracted to transport the property, said they had two days to accomplish the task.
Items like computers and other office equipment were to go to Kibuli, he said, adding that they started the exercise on Wednesday.
Confronted by the tutors, Zirimurinda said all property would be transported in lorries while they (tutors) would be given buses “to avoid problems.â€
The institution had 16 pre-service teaching staff, 11 support staff and 24 outreach personnel, who are not to be affected by the relocation.
THE relocation of Shimoni Primary teachers College (PTC) began on Thursday.
But the tutors at the school protested, saying the education ministry had ambushed them.
One of them, who sat close to one of the classrooms where they commiserated, said a ministry letter asking them to leave was sent to the Principal on Wednesday.
“We have families. We are not goats that can be transported on lorries. They should give us money so that we go when we are ready,†she said.
“We need enough time to prepare. We are not students going for a tour,†another teacher said.
However, an August 30 notice pasted close to the Principal’s office said the institution would soon be relocating to Nyondo PTC in Mbale district.
“Please note that normal business has been temporarily suspended, as we are in the process of parking for Nyondo PTC. Come when the term opens on 18/9/06,†it said.
By 9:00am, support staff at the institution, which is giving way for the construction of a hotel, were carrying items from some rooms to collection points where they were to be picked. As the property was being shifted, crestfallen staff stood in groups as they pondered their next move.
Ben Zirimurinda, who was contracted to transport the property, said they had two days to accomplish the task.
Items like computers and other office equipment were to go to Kibuli, he said, adding that they started the exercise on Wednesday.
Confronted by the tutors, Zirimurinda said all property would be transported in lorries while they (tutors) would be given buses “to avoid problems.â€
The institution had 16 pre-service teaching staff, 11 support staff and 24 outreach personnel, who are not to be affected by the relocation.