Classes to resume on Monday
By SAMUEL BARIASI
EDUCATION Minister Jimmy Uguro says classes will resume as scheduled on Monday despite the PNG Teachers’ Association’s nationwide strike for welfare demands.
Association president Aita Senengkepe issued a 24-hour ultimatum on Wednesday, demanding that the Education Department and Teaching Service Commission ensured teachers received the Covid-19 vaccination, risk allowances and that funding was given to schools to buy face masks and sanitary equipment.
But Uguro brushed aside the demands, saying that schools and teachers should be responsible for their own safety against the Covid-19.
“The Covid-19 is a worldwide pandemic and is not an institutional issue (therefore) we should not use it as an excuse to penalise our children and schools,” he told The National.
Senengkepe called on teachers to go on strike if the Government did not meet their demands.
“We cannot put our teachers at risk as most classes have more than 45 students,” he said.
But Uguro said: “This pandemic must be seen as a shared responsibility as it requires us to be responsible for our own safety.”
Senengkepe’s deputy Sinel Kou said the Government was more concerned about the health workers and the disciplined forces members and had forgotten about teachers.
Meanwhile, National Pandemic Response Controller David Manning confirmed that classes would resume on Monday and advised schools to strictly adhere to safety measures provided under the niupela pasin (new normal).
3 comments
I am in full support with Senengkepe’ deputy, it’s time the Government can at least for ONE Time see the country’s BACKBONE’s quarries just for ONE Time too rather than giving excuses every time when something concerning teachers are raised every time. Maybe those people in the front line of Education in this country forget all about their roots, how they have come about to be where they are. All the so called educated citizens in this country, some holding top positions from the Prime Minister to Education Minister down the line, let me tell you the truth, you are there because of your teachers. All in all, just pause for a while and think, would a country prosper and exist without teachers? For God ‘s sake, can the Government at least listen to us the Teachers.
I agree with Education Minister, Jimmy Uguro. COVID 19 is here to stay and it is our individual responsibility to protect ourselves and families with the niupela pasin (new normal) safety measures provided. Also, parents must educate their children well with the new normal safety measures and the consequences that may occurred.
It is true that the government had forgotten the teachers and is more concerned on health workers and disciplinary forces..what is the difference here and what is so special about these two departments. Teaching staff are also at risk for they are dealing with so many heads in a classroom every day morning till afternoon.Teachers should also considered equally. They should be paid risk allowances and funding’s for face mask and sanitary equipment. Teachers go on strike if the government does not your requirements as said by the president of PNGTA.
Comments are closed.