1,420 of the 1,958 officers who have been acting in both teaching and non-teaching administrative positions have been regularized while 4,884 officers or 35 percent of the total workforce will receive salary step movements out of which 739 early childhood education teachers, 3,993 assistant teachers and 152 non-teaching officers will receive the payout in their next pay.
Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister Viliame Gavoka says in recognition of the tireless efforts and commitments to advancing the education system, the Ministry has implemented as per MCS Circular 02/2024 the regularization and salary adjustment of the officers who have qualified and fulfilled the regularization criteria as set out at the advent of this robust regularization and step up exercise.
Gavoka says 73 percent of officers who have been acting in both teaching and non-teaching administrative positions have been regularized, effective from 1st March 2024.
He says some of these officers have been acting in various positions for over 20 years, and they are pleased that through the policy direction of the Coalition Government, they are able to positively reward the loyal officers.
Gavoka says there are some vacancies that were not filled and the Ministry will undertake processes of advertising and recruitment presently.
He further says the Ministry will review the current classification of schools, a reflection on their ongoing efforts to assess and improve the quality, equity and effectiveness of education systems in the country.
The Deputy Prime Minister says the school re-classification will have significant implications for various stakeholders and the education system.
He says as the Minister for Education, he is committed to fostering educational excellence and ensuring the well-being of educators nationwide.
While acknowledging the teacher unions for the collaboration and partnership, Govaka says there were several discussions and deliberations which were very informative, positive and forward-thinking.
He says this regularization and step-up salary adjustment is the first step in acknowledging their exemplary service and reaffirms the Coalition government’s commitment to valuing and investing in education as a cornerstone for national development.
Gavoka adds he remains steadfast in their collaborative mission to uphold the highest standards of education and support educators in their vital role of shaping the future of the nation.
