Tewae-Siassi teachers question lack of inspections

By GLORIA BAUAI
TEACHERS from Tewae-Siassi, Morobe, say they have not had school inspections for almost eight years now, as the district lacks a school inspector.
A group met with the media in Lae to air this and other frustrations after provincial education authorities warned teachers to return to their schools immediately or face disciplinary action. The teachers, who wished to remain anonymous, said there were many factors contributing to them leaving the district.
“High on the list is that the district has been without a school inspector for eight years now, which is against education guidelines,” they said.
“We have been holding the same position for so many years our eligibility for promotions have expired.
“One can only be promoted or pushed a level up when inspected, which for us is not possible without an inspector.”
According to the teachers, it would take one full day of travel into the district by boat or two-days by ship, at a cost of K250 per adult.
They said travel in and out of district for school runs or family matters were at their personal expense.
They added that due to the distance, food and basic necessities sold were quite expensive, lack of basic Government services like health and policing had given rise to law and order issues.
“Teachers, especially from the other areas of PNG, are scared to teach there but despite many requests for transfers, they have never been considered,” they said.
“Sadly, schools in Tewae-Siassi are not categorised to receive disadvantage allowance either.”
The teachers said these were reasons they had left resulting in almost all schools non-operational.
The district has 99 elementary, 45 primary, two high schools and two secondary schools.
These concerns had reached the education office and a dialogue with authorities was expected to be held in Wasu this month.