The comprehensive benefit package for teachers is indeed a “giant leap forward”

TIMES INT'L

Dear Editor,

Our teachers are the educators of Guyana’s future generation. It is they who are responsible for educating the nation. Teachers, however, have remained on the lower end of the income bracket for a long time. Subsequent salary increases by the government have helped to better this, but there still remain many challenges that teachers experience. The government, in an understanding with the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU), has reached another five-year comprehensive package agreement to better these conditions, and ultimately enhance the quality of teaching in Guyana.

With this new agreement, teachers will receive a five per cent increase in salaries, and scholarships will become available for them to pursue higher education. Having trained teachers in our schools should be a priority for any government, as it improves the standard and quality of education that students receive. This agreement will carry the percentage of trained teachers in our schools to 90 by 2015.

From the news report, housing and transportation for teachers are also concerns of the government. According to Minister Baksh, 100 house lots will be reserved for teachers yearly, and Gy$40 million will be added to the current Gy$200 million revolving housing fund for teachers, to assist them in building their homes. Duty free concessions which were reserved for only certain categories of head teachers will now be revised to cater for other teachers. The quality of education offered to students in the hinterland areas will also be improved as a result of this benefit package for teachers, as greater incentives, such as the Gy$30,000 housing allowance and the travel allowance, will be provided for teachers.

It is my belief that the Ministry of Education has, over the years, significantly improved the education system in this country. The quality of teachers has improved, and this directly impacts the quality of students produced. This new comprehensive remuneration package will certainly carry the education system to even greater standards.

Yours respectfully,

Sharon Persaud

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