By: Precious Miracle Kargbo (Intern)
In celebrating the excellence and diligence of teachers in the country and strengthening governments relationship with teachers in Sierra Leone, the Chief Minister David Moininah Sengeh on 9th October 2023, promised teachers that there will be an increment of 15percent to teacher’s salary effective next year (2024).
He said cabinet has been in deliberation to look into different methods that will be possible to improve the condition of service for teachers in the country as they are role model not just mere personalities in society. Dr Sengeh continues that governments only wish is to ensure that they are able to build that high level of diplomacy with teachers and to create a very fruitful relationship that will foresee the development and growth of the country.
Dr Sengeh added that there has been a lot of assessment of teachers by the government and the Ministry of Education, as all in the process to be able to approve teachers and promotion of senior teachers to the next level which they solely deserve. He pointed out to the need for all teachers to be steadfast and be patient with government so that they will incorporate their demands and put into effect with the limited time available.
Furthermore, Dr Sengeh said about Five thousand teachers from Freetown and various districts have been approved by the MBSSE and there is still plan to do a lot more, just as the initiative of the President to launch a teacher’s award that will honor the work of teachers.
He intimated that it has pleased the President under his supervision to increase the award price for teachers to NLE40.000 and a parcel of land for the winners.
In another lens, expressing gratitude to the Minister for the support they have bestowed on them as national best teachers Adama Soko Bangura of (K.D.C) primary school Kambia1. She said it all depends on hardwork, commitment and by adhering to the seven code of conduct of principle as teachers, also Mohamed Bassie Kamara a teacher of Batch memorial senior secondary school in Makeni highlights that students are in the habit of misusing mobile phones, but as for him he encourages students to use their phones for research which in turn exhumes academic excellence for students in all strides of their academia.
Chief Minister urged on all teachers to remain focused to their jobs and that government will remain committed to education by assuring that they are leaving no one behind in their quest to develop the nation. CM said evidence of progress includes closing the gender gap with more girls enrolled in four years, increased recruitment, retention and training of teachers, as well as improved curriculum and that is their focus as a government.