Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Mimi Mefo Info (Editor)
Published on 2024-04-01 17:47:14
The government in the North West region has taken action against more than 200 secondary school teachers who have been irregularly absent from their duties. The North West Regional Delegate of Secondary Education announced this decision during a broadcast on state Radio CRTV over the weekend.
According to the Regional Delegate, teachers who have intentionally abandoned their responsibilities without valid reasons will not have their salaries reinstated. However, those who can provide legitimate documentation to explain their absences will have their salaries reinstated, especially for recent suspensions.
This move comes in the midst of ongoing security challenges facing teachers and students in the region. The persistent armed conflict and attacks on education have forced many teachers to leave their posts. Some educators who have tried to promote education in the past have been killed, injured, or kidnapped for ransom by non-state armed groups.
Reports indicate that classrooms in certain areas remain empty, with some schools being burnt down or converted into hideouts by these armed groups. For example, last year, five teachers were killed by separatist fighters, including Yufenyuy Austin, the Vice-Principal of GBHS Kumbo, and Anyam Pius, a doctoral student.
The situation for teachers in conflict zones is further exacerbated by the ongoing violence and threats they face on a daily basis. Just last month, disturbing images surfaced on social media showing secondary teachers at GBHS Esu in Wum Menchum Division being subjected to brutal violence by Ambazonia Fighters.
The government also argues that many teachers on the state payroll have taken advantage of the conflict to abandon their posts, despite peace being established in some areas. Some teachers have allegedly fled abroad seeking better opportunities, but still receive state salaries through questionable means.
Last year, the Minister of Secondary Education urged the public to report absent teachers through an anonymous digital channel. This measure resulted in the suspension of 2,326 secondary school teachers accused of deserting their duties.
The challenges faced by teachers in conflict zones highlight the urgent need for security and support in these regions to ensure the safety and well-being of educators and students alike.
Read the original article(French) on Mimi Mefo Info
