The deputy general secretary of Gambia Teachers’ Union, Essa Sowe, in a press conference held at the GTU secretariat in Kanifing in commemoration of  the world Teacher’s Day, reminded the government to swiftly reopen schools. He noted that since all the necessary tools required in terms of preventing the spread of the venomous virus are put in place, it’s only right to reopen schools and make up for the time lost.

The government in their quest to ensure everyone is safe from the deadly virus as well as curb its rapid spread in the country, the government through the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, ordered the immediate closure of both public and private schools. According to Mr. Sowe, the closure of schools especially private schools, has greatly affected them as they struggled to pay their teachers. “Given that over 50% of our schools are private owned and apparently running out of business, the government must create an education subsidy to enable the private schools to pay their teachers most of whom have been seriously affected.” He lamented.

General secretary of GTU Marie Antoinette Corr Jack, also called on the government to prioritize education and reopen schools. She added that the government should not let teachers and students pay the cost of the crisis. “We must protect our education system from current financial pressures and budgetary constraints. Let us recognise that it is to invest in teachers in our efforts to build strong economies, cohesive societies and a future of dignity and opportunity for all. I hope this statement will inspire our leaders to redouble their efforts in improving the lot of teachers in The Gambia,” she said.

By: Fatoumatta Samateh