FINANCE and National Planning minister Situmbeko Musokotwane has warned teachers who are fond of abandoning their postings in rural areas to desist from the act or be willing to face consequences.
Dr Musokotwane also warned prospective recruited teachers who may also fall prey to the increasing trend that government will not take such behaviour lightly.
He noted the importance of human capital in driving the country’s development in every area saying that teachers and health workers are always included in the budget due to the significance they hold to society’s wellbeing.
The minister said it is saddening that the trend keeps increasing, despite the pressing need for educators in remote regions.
Appearing on ZNBC’s Sunday interview, Dr Musokotwane stressed that the country’s long term development depends on addressing the current gaps in human capital, particularly in rural areas.
“We have factored teachers and health workers into the budget because we understand the critical role they play. The loss of human capital over the years has set us back and it will take time to recover,” Dr Musokotwane said.
He pointed out that the decline in educational standards, from primary to secondary schools, is partly due to the lack of skilled personnel willing to work in rural settings.
Musokotwane also lamented the erosion of technical skills training, which was once a cornerstone of Zambia’s educational system.
“People have somehow lost the good quality skills that colleges like technical colleges would train in those days. We have to continue putting money into skills. We are aware that problems are not just solved by money, problems can be solved by something else including money and attitude.”
“The attitude in the public service is wrong. This trend of teachers migrating to Lusaka, this trend is re-emerging. We also have to deal with the issues of attitude. Teachers resisting teaching in rural areas and the issue of the school grants being abused will face consequences. We want the public to know what is being done to wrong doers,” said the minister.
By Catherine Pule
Kalemba, October 1, 2024
