THE Namibia Nationwide Lecturers Union (Nantu) has criticised the federal government’s resolution to allocate solely N$10 million for the upgrading of lecturers’ expertise this 12 months.
Nantu secretary basic Loide Shaanika mentioned this in an interview with The Namibian this week.
“The federal government is meant to empower lecturers to have the ability to ship as per expectations,” she mentioned.
Shaanika mentioned N$10 million will not be sufficient, and lecturers have to make use of their salaries to accumulate new expertise.
“We hope the N$10 million that’s allotted equates to the consequence that they count on when it comes to the talent growth of lecturers. They should be real looking.
“Politicians which can be allocating the funds do not go to faculties,” she mentioned.
Shaanika counseled the extra N$209 million put aside to recruit an extra 850 lecturers at pre-primary, major, and secondary ranges, as introduced by schooling minister Anna Nghipondoka in parliament on Monday.
She mentioned this can go a great distance in the direction of addressing employees shortages, particularly at junior-primary degree.
Shaanika, who visited faculties within the Ohangwena area this week, mentioned some faculties have as much as 70 pupils per class.
She cited Edundja Major College for example with as much as 59 pupils in Grade 4, which she described as horrible.
Regardless of the schooling funds of N$16 billion constituting 22,5% of the nationwide funds, Shaanika mentioned it’s a drop within the ocean.
“From our aspect as a union, we imagine that the funds allocation to the ministry of schooling is a drop within the ocean as a result of it is among the ministries that’s anticipated to develop this nation when it comes to expertise growth,” she mentioned.
“They usually complain that the funds will probably be consumed by salaries. You need certified lecturers, you need high quality outcomes, and you do not wish to pay the lecturers.”
The Ministry of Training, Arts and Tradition has been allotted a complete of N$16 billion, of which N$13 billion will probably be used to pay the salaries of 38 300 staff, together with 35 800 lecturers.
Nghipondoka mentioned throughout her funds motivation this week that further lecturers are required to cut back the present overcrowding in school rooms, in addition to enhance entry to pre-primary, Grade 1 and Grade 8 ranges. In accordance with Nantu, there are an estimated 4 000 junior major lecturers and 128 secondary degree lecturers who’re presently unemployed.
Nghipondoka mentioned the recruitment of lecturers is crucial, as enrollment for 2023 has elevated to 864 632 pupils from round 819 749 final 12 months.
This, the minister mentioned, implies further lecturers are wanted in faculties, consequently, the elevated wage invoice.
Lecturers Union of Namibia (TUN) secretary basic Mahongora Kavihuha advised The Namibian on Tuesday that the union has been pushing for an in-service coaching programme for lecturers.
“Presently, when a instructor finishes at college or no matter establishment, they’re pumped into the system with out a refresher course. And also you may find yourself repeating the identical factor for 35 years till you retire,” mentioned Kavihuha.
Supply: namibian
