Andrew Solomon Napuat

Teachers willing to resume duty can submit letters to the Ministry of Education and Training (MoET) through their provincial education boards or churches for the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) to consider reinstating them.

The Minister of Internal Affairs, Andrew Napuat, serving as the Acting Education Minister, conveyed this following a meeting yesterday with the MoET senior management team and the TSC Acting Chairman on addressing the current situation affecting the education sector and victimising students.

He said some teachers and principals are seeking to return to the classroom. He thanked those who have returned and those indicating to resume duty.

Minister Napuat said that suspended teachers can also submit requests. Upon receiving the letters, the MoET will forward them to TSC for consideration.

He said they have agreed in their meeting for the MoET, through the offices of the Director and Director General (DG), to work with the provincial authorities and churches to communicate this approach.

Napuat emphasised that it is everyone’s concern-government and parents alike-for children to return to the classroom with exams approaching.

The Acting Minister also reassured that the government, through the MoET will ensure that teachers’ payments are addressed every payday from now on this year, depending on the verifications being undertaken.

Some payments have already been made, and the next payments are expected to be processed this payday, he said.

“We cannot afford to continue the status quo causing children to miss out on learning and the education system to suffer. It is time for us to come together and recognise the importance of education,” the minister stressed.

Minister Napuat said the Acting DG and Director of Education are already in discussions with the Board of Curriculum and Assessment to consider moving the national examination dates from November to the first week of December.

“This would give teachers time to catch up on their students’ learning once reinstated, so they can prepare for the exams,” he said.

“It’s an unfortunate situation we are facing, but if we work together and prioritise our children and education, I’m sure we can find solutions that benefit us and our country.”

source:vanuatu daily post