Malawi's Teachers Union Raises Concerns Over Teacher Welfare on World Teachers' Day
This year's World Teachers' Day is celebrated under the theme, 'The Teachers We Need for the Education We Want: The Global Imperative to Reverse the Teacher Shortage.'
LILONGWE, Malawi— On the occasion of World Teachers' Day, the Teachers Union of Malawi (TUM) has voiced deep concerns regarding the insufficient support for teachers' welfare in the country, writes Memory Phoso.
TUM President, Willy Malimba, expressed his somber sentiments about the challenging circumstances that educators face, emphasizing the urgent need for improvements.
Malimba underscored the critical issue of teacher recruitment as the primary challenge affecting the teacher-student ratio and posing a threat to the maintenance of high educational standards. He lamented the shortage of teachers in Malawi and called it a "disheartening development."
"Despite having well-trained teachers in the country, the government is failing to recruit them to meet the required ratio of 1 teacher for every 160 students," said Malimba.
He further stressed the importance of addressing this issue promptly to enhance the quality of education.
Malimba urged the government to expedite teacher recruitment, ensure a consistent supply of teaching materials in all public schools, and provide teachers with the necessary motivation.
These measures, he believes, are essential steps toward elevating education standards and fostering an environment conducive to effective teaching and learning.
In a separate interview, education expert Dr. Crown Mbewe expressed his disappointment over the celebration of World Teachers' Day amidst the challenges faced by teachers in Malawi.
Dr. Mbewe lamented the lack of passion and commitment to improving teachers' welfare in the country.
"I wish we had the passion and spirit to enhance the welfare of teachers so they can continue to wholeheartedly dedicate themselves to their work," said Dr. Mbewe, highlighting the dire circumstances faced by some teachers. These hardships include using charcoal as a makeshift chalk substitute, residing in dilapidated infrastructure, and enduring long commutes, all of which adversely affect the quality of education.
Dr. Mbewe stressed the pivotal role of offering substantial and attractive compensation packages for teachers, which he believes is essential for enabling them to carry out their duties effectively.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education in Malawi has conveyed its commitment to addressing the challenges faced by teachers. M
phatso Nkuonera, the ministry's spokesperson, stated that the ministry is actively procuring learning and teaching materials. Additionally, they have initiated a program to enhance digital skills in education.
Nkuonera also noted that the ministry has launched a teacher recruitment drive in both primary and secondary schools.
As part of this initiative, 2599 secondary school teachers have already been recruited, and primary school results have been released, prompting teachers to report for duty.
This year's World Teachers' Day is celebrated under the theme, 'The Teachers We Need for the Education We Want: The Global Imperative to Reverse the Teacher Shortage.'
The theme underscores the global demand for more teachers to ensure quality education and highlights the importance of addressing the challenges faced by educators in various countries, including Malawi.