by wongani Chipeta
The teachers mother body, Teachers Union of Malawi(TUM) has faulted government for delaying discussions surrounding risk allowances the teachers have been demanding ahead of re-opening of schools in a week to come.
The government of Malawi announced that schools will re-open on 7th September 2020 after closing in March due to the threat of the novel corona virus pandemic. This made teachers through TUM to ask the government to consider setting up a special risk allowance when schools re-open amid the Covid19 pandemic.
As the time for re-opening schools is very close teachers feel the government is not serious on this matter.
TUM Secretary General said teachers feel government is suffocating their demands as schools open in phases from 7th September.
Last week, the Minister of Education, Agness Nyalonje disclosed that consultations were still underway on the issue ahead of the much anticipated reopening.
The Secretary General in his speech which www.avantmalawi.com has accessed said that while they acknowledge government’s commitment, up to now no new date has been communicated to them as to when the ext meeting will be held. To this they feel that there is a delay on the part of the government in the process.
Kumchenga has said that there is a need that the matter addressed before classes resume.
Meanwhile, www.avantmalawi.com has confirmed that the government is training primary school teachers on measures to follow when schools re-open in September. They are being paid K1500 as a training allowance in a day.