By STEVEN ZANDE –
THE Secondary School Teacher’s Union of Zambia (SESTUZ) has praised Government for its decision to build teachers’ houses alongside schools being constructed in various parts of the country.
SESTUZ general secretary, Sitibekiso Wamuyuwa said the move would attract more teachers as previously tutors had been reluctant to take up rural appointments due to accommodation deficit.
He said in an interview yesterday that the decision by Government was the right move because it would help grow a motivated and productive teaching workforce.
“Government has done commendable work by constructing houses for teachers everywhere. We also urge them to consider providing teachers in rural areas with access to banks so that they can lead improved lives,” Mr Wamuyuwa said.
He urged Government to ensure that the newly constructed schools were stocked with adequate teaching material to allow the infrastructure to become operational.
Mr Wamuyuwa also said teachers were this year expecting politicians to explain their commitments toward the teaching profession if they were to be elected into public office.
He appealed to various political parties participating in the August elections to encourage peaceful campaigns among their supporters.
Mr Wamuyuwa said it was important that political leaders preached peace ahead of the polls to allow teachers conduct lessons with pupils without violence which would disturb the school calendar.
He said the country needed peace for sustained national development and to allow eligible citizens to participate by voting freely in the upcoming general elections.