Credible sources from the umbrella body for teachers, the Sierra Leone Teachers’ Union (SLTU), has intimated this medium that teachers are set to hold a national conference on their conditions of service on the 19th and 20th October, 2019 respectively in Freetown to take a definitive decision on their terms and conditions.
The meetings follow persistent demands by teachers to have government improve their conditions of service.
The Trade Group Teaching Service Negotiating Council has concluded negotiations on the improved conditions of service for teachers a little over a month ago and an appreciable package to both parties has been agreed.
Government has since reneged in announcing the new package and many are wondering why the delay.
Sources from State House, have intimated this press that even though government is hugely committed to meet the new demands, they are struggling to attract resources to sustainably meet the new improved conditions of service.
The sources say that at a meeting in State House between President Bio and the SLTU, the President was very frank to implore on the SLTU executive that he is willingly and vigorously looking for resources to meeting the new conditions of service for teachers.
President Bio was expected to make a statement on the new conditions of service for teachers and the additional package for the Free Quality Education scheme as promised, but highly expectant parents and teachers have waited in vain to hear from the President.
State House sources have continued that the President will officially launch the TEACHERS’ AWARD CEREMONY on the 15th October, 2019 at Hotel 5/10 in Freetown as promised in his manifesto campaign.
The Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education has finalized plans to making the President’s pronouncement a reality.
But whether a highly frustrated teacher population across the country will appreciate this TEACHER AWARD amidst the ‘GRON DRY’ is a million dollar question?
Whether President Bio will use the October 15th TEACHER AWARD ceremony to break the news over the new improved conditions of service for teachers as agreed by the Teaching Service Trade Groups Negotiating Council, is a wait and see affair.
A close source from the Teaching Service Commission has also expressed their frustration that things are not working well for teachers, and that they are seriously overwhelmed with regards not getting the support to fund the activities of teachers.
The so-called scholarships for three University children of teachers remain a misery as government cannot contend with the hundreds of applications that have been sent to the Ministry of Higher Education by teachers.