The Fiji Teachers Union says Education Minister Premila Kumar has once again attempted to castigate teachers by making a general statement that some teachers drink grog all night and disappear during the day.
FTU General Secretary Agni Deo Singh says what Kumar fails to understand is that there are over 13,000 teachers and she has received reports against some teachers.
Singh says Kumar could have identified these teachers and taken appropriate action rather than castigating the entire profession in public.
He says teachers occupying quarters are mainly in the rural and maritime schools where the amenities like proper housing, electricity, water and phone connectivity are far from decent.
Singh says despite this, these teachers continue to serve to the best of their ability and they need to be appreciated and encouraged rather than belittled in the media.
The FTU is asking the Minister to provide stats as to how many complaints have been received and how many teachers have been found guilty.
Singh says if there is nothing on record then Kumar’s utterances based on hearsay must be withdrawn with an apology to the teachers.
He adds Kumar would perhaps get a better understanding of the challenges teachers in rural and maritime schools face if she pays a visit to the outer islands and spends a few days at some of these schools. Legend FM News had sent questions to Kumar on how many teachers have been found guilty and what actions have been taken against these teachers.
We have also sent questions regarding the comments made by the FTU. She is yet to respond.
