Teachers’ overtime in arrears for a year in Mozambique

Login

Register

http://www.clubofmozambique.com/

Teachers’ overtime in arrears for a year in Mozambique

12:25 CAT | 02 Aug 2017

O País (File photo) / For illustration purposes only

The National Organisation of Teachers (ONP) says delays in the payment of overtime and the lack of funeral subsidies and medical assistance for teachers have contributed to falling teachers’ living standards, as well as affecting pedagogical performance.

According to Maria Vera Cruz, ONP member responsible for social issues, the situation has been ongoing for about a year. “We work overtime at great sacrifice and when we do not see this sacrifice rewarded, we are naturally unmotivated, resulting in poor performance. Our living standards have slipped and, naturally, society no longer respects us,” she says.

Maria Vera also points out that the lack of overtime pay contributes to absenteeism in schools, “because teachers are out looking for basic necessities”. According to our source, overtime is usually paid within 60 days.

Cruz was speaking in Beira on the sidelines of a round table on financing in the education sector organised by the Moment of Education for All.

“These are amounts which are discounted monthly, and we cannot understand why, when the teacher needs the support, he or she does not get it. The same with medical care. The issue has already been put to the government, but with no solution. This even creates conflicts within the organisation, because there are those who think that we are doing nothing. We have often presented this issue to the Ministry of Education and to the prime minister, but nothing. We feel that teachers are picked out just to weaken them and place them in a situation of vulnerability. The teacher does not have a decent house and uses ‘my loves’ for transport. How can one demand so much from a teacher in these conditions?” she asked.

The ONP says under-investment in the education sector will contribute to the country having a malformed society in the future.

Source: O País