By: Fiona Manda and Emmanuel Moyo
The country’s education Activist, Benedicto Kondowe has tipped the government to meet the needs of Teachers Union of Malawi (TUM) saying failure to do so will disrupt and rip off the gains government ought to be making in the Education sector.
The development follows a warning TUM has issued to go on a strike if the government does not provide money to teachers for Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs)
Writing on his column The Educational Hub today, Kondowe emphasized that the government needs to have proper strategies for handling teachers grievances other than being dishonest with them.
“We expect the government to be on course in resolving issues like risk allowances, promotion, arrears, even the salaries.The audacious way that the government is treating the backbone of the education sector leaves alot to be disired.”Reports part of the article.
Kondowe also asked TUM to soften it’s stance in pursuit of the common good as the government is also trying it’s very best.
“TUM should be patient and engage in a dialogue in good faith with the government, however this will require the government to live up to it’s promises in future.”Reads part of the article.
Random interviews that Malawi News Agency (MANA) has conducted to students in Karonga have shown that most students fear the strike would halt their academic performance as it is difficult to learn on their own at their homes.
On March 9, TUM got into an agreement with the government that government provides monetary value for PPEs to the teachers and not entirely as risk allowances. However until today, this has not been fulfilled.