It is often said that a well-motivated workforce is likely to be a productive workforce. This is true for all areas of human endeavour, including the teaching profession.
We specifically mention teachers because of the need to give them positive encouragement, so that they could perform well in the very important task assigned to them by society.
The National Education Policy seeks to achieve access, relevance and quality in the country's education system.
There is no doubt that creating a conducive environment for teachers to perform well in the classroom, is essential in this regard.
It is important that we give teachers a good salary and incentives, such as appropriate allowances.
This is especially so for teachers working in remote parts of the country, for example, who also usually need suitable living quarters.
The Ministry of Education should without delay, make available the 'special' and 'graduate' allowances due to teachers in government sub-vented schools.
We believe this would result in more productivity and effectiveness in the sector.
The more organisations motivate their employees, the more effective and efficient they would deliver.
An employee is said to be efficient and effective, if he/she is happy.
Of course, we are aware that the Education authorities are addressing teacher's needs, in terms of allowances and housing, especially for teachers posted in the rural areas, and that teachers are among the best paid public service employees in this country.
However, in recent times, the state has also expanded the building of schools which are provided with school furniture, in an effort to boost the quality of teaching and learning in all schools countrywide.
Consequently, we call on the government to continue to monitor the working conditions of teachers, so as to safeguard standards in the sector.
The state must also intensify capacity-building programmes for teachers, in order to improve on the quality of education available in the country at all levels, including in tertiary institutions.
"Coaches who can outline plays on a black board are a dime a dozen. The ones who win get inside their player and motivate."
Anonymous
