PSEUM, ISAMA Collaborate to Enhance Quality of Education in Malawi's Private Schools
This collaboration is expected to lead to a more productive and harmonious relationship between the two organisations, ultimately benefiting both educators and students.
Lilongwe, Malawi -The Private Schools Employees Union of Malawi (PSEUM) and the Independent Schools Association of Malawi (ISAMA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalise their collaboration aimed at improving the quality of education in the country's private schools, writes Moses Nyirenda.
Following the signing of the MoU at ISAMA offices in Lilongwe, PSEUM General Secretary, Falison Lemani, explained that the decision to establish this agreement was to ensure that both organizations could work together formally to uplift the quality of education in private schools.
Lemani stated, "We decided to make our agreement signed simply because we do not want a situation whereby we play hide-and-seek games. We understand that as the union and the employers, we aim at one thing, especially in private schools, which is to ensure that we deliver quality education. In this case, directors are taking their part, and as workers, we are also taking our part. We believe that if we work together, we will undoubtedly deliver quality education to the learners."
He emphasized that the MoU was created to enhance working conditions for employees in private schools, a move that would contribute to improving the quality of education.
When asked about PSEUM's role with the signing of the MoU, the General Secretary explained that PSEUM would ensure that its members understood their rights and responsibilities to achieve the goal of enhancing the quality of education in private schools.
Furthermore, PSEUM will work to add value to the private schools so that the school directors can appreciate the union's presence.
ISAMA President Wycliffe Chimwendo welcomed the signing of the MoU, highlighting that it would address the problem of misunderstandings that had previously existed between ISAMA and PSEUM.
Chimwendo stated, "PSEUM is our child and our baby; however, there have been some misunderstandings on how we have been operating. Therefore, the MoU will iron out areas where things were not working well and will create a roadmap on how we can work together."
He added that with the MoU in place, ISAMA would take steps to ensure the protection and security of PSEUM while they collaboratively work towards enhancing the quality of education in the country's private schools.
This collaboration is expected to lead to a more productive and harmonious relationship between the two organisations, ultimately benefiting both educators and students.