Teachers’ welfare seems to be an ongoing issue for teachers like those at the Tanaka Primary School in East New Britain Province.
Teachers’ leave fares and pay cuts are serious issues that the school has been dealing with according to Head Master Mr. Kuki Sero. He said this was not only a concern for them but for all teachers across the province and the country.
“Half of my teaching staff received their leave fares whilst the second lot are yet to receive theirs, hopefully by the end of this month.”
In addition to this, pay cuts is also another serious matter for the teachers as most of them have had their fortnightly pays cut whilst others have been without pay for at least three to four consecutive fortnights now, including Mr. Sero himself who claims he has had his pay cut for three consecutive fortnights now.
“We are yet to receive an explanation from the government through the Provincial Education Board as to why this on- going issue has not been sorted out yet.”
Sero stated that they hope to receive some answers when they officially launch the academic year when school resumes on the 23rd of this month. Meanwhile, the school will soon be a Junior High school as of next year with the introduction of grades 9 and 10.
According to Sero, the school is currently undergoing infrastructures for a 6 in 1 building.
“The project is co- funded by the two districts; Gazelle and Kokopo District. A funding of K200, 000 has been given by Kokopo, whilst the Gazelle District has given K300, 000.”