Katima Mulilo
Minister of Education, Arts and Culture Katrina Hanse-Himarwa says her ministry is aware of the many challenges facing education.
She says efforts are being made to address the challenges her ministry faces. Hanse-Himarwa, who was speaking to regional education officials, principals and teachers during her four-day familiarisation visit to the Zambezi Region – which started on Tuesday – noted these challenges continue to hamper learners’ performance.
“I have observed that some teachers are overloaded with work. I will make sure that more teachers are trained in critical subjects. We are also aware of the backlog in the construction of infrastructure at our schools. I am glad that in Zambezi efforts are being made to cope with what we have now. The lack of connectivity in many schools is also a serious impediment to holistic skills development in our schools,” she said.
Hanse-Himarwa further noted that though the introduction of universal free primary education has resulted in increased learner enrolment, this has negatively impacted the school feeding programmes.
“We are also concerned about the increasing number of children needing to benefit from the school feeding programme, especially due to the introduction of universal primary education in relation to the amount allocated to the school feeding programme,” she stated.
She warned teachers absconding from work saying that doing so was tantamount to corruption. “As professionals, it is very disturbing that some of us leave our children unattended due to regular absence. Our conscience does not even bother us that we draw a salary every month. Many do so under the pretext of being sick and obtain false sick certificates. This is irresponsible behaviour. What example are we setting?” she queried.
She noted that poor work ethics were also to blame for poor learner performance in many of the schools across the country.
“Teachers’ involvement in private business activities, alcohol abuse by both teachers and learners and sexual relationships between teachers and learners are some of the evils that affect efficiency and effectiveness in our schools,” lamented the education minister. According to Hanse-Himarwa, who revealed that teachers would be required to hand in trimester reports as part of accountability, she would exert pressure that would eventually culminate in good performance. She added that those that fail to perform would unfortunately be told to pack and go.
“If we don’t deliver, the whole nation would be doomed. I am required to hand in my report on the 100 days that I have been in office. I am under pressure to do so and I will give you the same pressure for us to reach our goal. If you don’t perform, you’re not a tree. You will be removed. Trees that don’t bear any fruits are often chopped off,” Hanse-Himarwa warned teachers.
During the tour, the minister visited Sanjo Senior Secondary and Sachona Combined School.