Unemployed Teachers give dialogue chance
A group of at least 13,000 primary school teachers from IPTE 14, 15, 16, and 17 cohorts, who remain unemployed, are planning mass demonstrations in Blantyre, Lilongwe, and Mzuzu on May 13. Their aim is to urge the government to integrate them into the teaching system, highlighting their prolonged unemployment, some for over six years. In a positive development, the Ministry of Education has extended an invitation for dialogue to these teachers, scheduled for this Friday in Lilongwe.
Cornelius Mwalure, a spokesperson for the unemployed teachers, expressed cautious optimism about the upcoming meeting, which follows several similar past engagements that unfortunately did not yield the desired outcomes. “We are hopeful that this time, our concerns will be seriously addressed. If not, the planned demonstrations will proceed as a last resort,” Mwalure stated.
In response, the Ministry of Education has requested additional time to consult on the issues presented. Mphatso Nkuonera, the Ministry’s spokesperson, emphasized the need for careful consideration of the teachers’ demands.
Benedicto Kondowe, Executive Director of the Civil Society Education Coalition, remarked on the timeliness of the meeting and underscored the need for a balanced and innovative approach to resolve the unemployment crisis among trained teachers. “We commend the Ministry’s willingness to engage. However, real solutions such as offering temporary contracts, part-time roles, or creating opportunities in related fields must be explored urgently,” Kondowe said. He also advocated for a temporary pause on the training of new teachers to better utilize resources for employing those already trained and waiting.
“This situation calls for a strategic alignment of teacher training programs with financial planning to ensure that graduates can transition smoothly into available teaching positions. It is essential for the government to prioritize the absorption of these trained educators to address immediate employment needs without exacerbating the supply glut,” added Kondowe.
