Teachers waiting to be paid since Jan

BY VICKY BAUNKE
THREE teachers at Milford Haven Primary School in Lae have not received their fortnightly salaries since January, the school’s head teacher Yelo Amu says.
Amu said the teachers were not paid even after signing their resumption of duty summary sheets at the beginning of the year.
He said the teachers remained committed and faithful to their duties despite not being paid.
“This is an unusual situation faced at the school here, unlike previous years,” Amu said. “The delay in processing the summary sheets may affect the education of students.”
One of the affected teachers, Jaymie Terra, told The National that she had not received her salary for almost eight fortnights since she started teaching in January, and it had contributed to many social problems in her family.
Morobe provincial education advisor Keitu Jiram told The National the delay in processing the resumption forms was due to late submission by the districts to his office or the Teaching Services Commission did not provide the newly-created positions for the teachers on time.
Jiram said he sent two of his officers to Port Moresby in April to follow up on the delay. They returned with a list of newly-created positions and other necessary information and teachers pay have been sorted out.
“I am aware that majority of the teachers affected are elementary teachers and new graduates,” Jiram said. “We are doing our part in the province but the delay is caused by the slowness of officers at the head office in Port Moresby.”
He assured the affected teachers their salaries would be paid soon.
Education secretary Dr Uke Kombra said earlier that teachers were required by law to complete the Resumption of Duty Summary Sheet and Teacher Record of Appointment on the first day that they resume duty at the school.