Village elders in Namosi are urging the Ministry of Education to take a more active role in monitoring the tenure of teachers in rural areas, expressing concerns that some educators remain in their positions for too long without proper rotation. These issues were brought to light during public consultations on the Education Bill held in Navua, where community representatives questioned the recommended duration for teachers to serve at a single school.
The villagers pointed out that in certain instances, teachers have settled into their roles and become overly comfortable, leading to a stagnation in the educational environment. They argue that the current system of transfers and rotations is not efficient, with some teachers staying much longer than necessary.
A representative from the Ministry of Education provided clarity on existing policies, stating that teachers are mandated to serve a minimum of three years at a school, with the option to extend their tenure up to six years upon request. Moreover, while both teachers and school management can ask for transfers, the official noted that budget constraints can sometimes delay the process.
One village elder specifically called on the Ministry to adopt a more proactive stance in this matter, finding it disheartening for communities to continually have to request teacher transfers. He emphasized the importance of the Ministry independently tracking teachers’ lengths of service and ensuring timely rotations, which would allow new educators to inject fresh perspectives and enthusiasm into rural schools.
This call for increased oversight by the Ministry reflects a growing desire from community leaders to foster a more vibrant educational atmosphere, enhancing the learning experience for students in rural areas. By prioritizing teacher mobility, there is hope that these schools can benefit from innovative teaching methods and renewed engagement from educators.
Leave a comment