President Lazarus Chakwera has said he has teachers’ welfare at heart despite challenges they are facing.
Education Minister Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima presented Chakwera’s message at commemorations marking World Teachers’ Day.
Main activities took place in Mzuzu and were held under the theme ‘Teachers We Need for The Education We Want’.
Kambauwa Wirima said Chakwera is aware of the challenges teachers are facing but said his government is doing its part to address them.
She cited poor salaries, inadequate teaching and learning materials and lack of houses as some of the challenges frustrating education goals in the country.
“The President cares about teachers’ welfare. He knows all the problems which they are facing and his message is that his government will address them accordingly. This cannot be done in a short time, but teachers should be assured that, one day, they will sing a good song,” Kambauwa Wirima said.
Teachers Union of Malawi Treasurer Bresters Nyirenda asked the government to consider recruiting qualified teachers that are staying idle to reduce the current teacher: learner ratio of 1: 150.
“Some teachers have upgraded their qualifications but they have not been promoted. This is demotivating and is contributing to the poor education standards in the country,” Nyirenda said.
Secondary School Teachers Union of Malawi President Pilirani Kapolo said the government should invest more in education if the country is to develop.
Kapolo said the majority of secondary school teachers feel dumped by the government as their welfare is overlooked.
“Many teachers in community day secondary schools lack houses and are renting poor-standard houses within the communities. The schools have no laboratories and libraries. How can teachers perform wonders?” Kapolo queried.
The activity started with a solidarity march which education sector players supported.
Teachers commemorated World Teachers Day on October 5 but Malawi set aside October 18 for the activity.
