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Momodou
Denmark
11835 Posts |
 Posted - 25 May 2006 : 15:50:50
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TEACHERS AND STUDENTS SPEAK OUT
By Amie Sanneh
ActionAid-The Gambia, in collaboration with the Commonwealth Education Fund (CEF) on Saturday held an advocacy activity called “big hearing” for teachers and students from various regions across the country to voice out the problems they encounter in their respective regions. The discussion forum was part of activities to mark the Global Week of Action (GWA) in The Gambia.
A teacher from Region Two said teachers in that region are beleaguered by lack of teaching materials. He also stressed the need for the provision of residence for teachers. He further complained of unqualified teachers (untrained teachers) teaching in schools, and therefore stressed the need for teachers to be trained. He urged the Department of State for Education to look into the promotion of teachers, noting that teachers should be promoted.
A female teacher from Region Three complained of the lack of laboratory equipment in senior secondary schools in that region. She also revealed that due to lack of laboratory equipment, they are not offering pure Science subjects to their students.
On the issue of the appointment of untrained teachers in schools, she said this is due to the shortage of teachers and thus urged the Education Department to offer training to untrained teachers.
A student from Region Four pointed out that they (students) are fearful of becoming teachers.
She said teachers are doing their utmost and need to be motivated, noting that if they are motivated, their status will be elevated.
Another student from Region Three said that his region lacks technical teachers to teach subjects like Wood Work and Metal Work. He added that not all students will have the opportunity to work in offices in the future. He called on the Education Department to intervene and provide equipment for their laboratories to help teachers to teach technical knowledge.
Another teacher dwelt on the retention of teachers, saying teachers need to be motivated in order to retain them in the education sector.
One student from Region Five threw light on the problems faced by teachers. He said teachers cannot buy a bag of rice from their salary, not mentioning the payment of house rent. He stressed the need for increment of teachers’ salaries, saying if we are to achieve tangible goals in education, teachers should not be “left out.”
A teacher from Region Six, revealed that accommodation and transportation is a problem affecting them.
Another problem she said is the late promotion of teachers in Region Six.
She however urged the Education Department to consider the plight of teachers in Region Six.
Source: Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 40/2006, 25-28 May,2006
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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