Several businesses in Pomeroon-Supenaam have signalled their intention to come on board with the Ministry of Education (MoE) to support the Teachers’ Wel-fare and Benefits Programme which was launched yesterday at the Anna Regina Multilateral Secondary School (ARMS).
One businessman, Hemant Takram, donated 80 hampers to headteachers across the Region. Takram, who is the owner of ‘Shawn Mini Mart’ said that he was compelled to assist teachers since he recognized the challenges they faced during the pandemic.
Teachers will be able to access special discounts at G & P Jaigobin, Imam Bacchus and Sons, Gauldin Super-market, Jones Supermarket, Green Variety Store, Double D hotel and Mall, Shawn’s Mini Mart, Takoor Persaud Hardware Store, Builders Hardware and General Supplies, Big Bird and Sons Trading, Jagdesh Duck Curry and Bar, Big Birds and Sons, Satro Pharmacy, Sankar’s Auto Sales, E-Networks, and Lilkat Ali and Sons. The MoE is also working to secure discounts for the teachers from the Speed Boat Associations.
Headteachers who attended the launch said that the initiative is a good one and were happy that the Ministry is appreciating their efforts. The teachers related that during the pandemic they had to come up with innovative ideas, albeit with limited resources, to ensure that effective learning continues.
“When I examined the package it was comprehensive and I am personally grateful for the initiative. As teachers we work hard to ensure that the school’s curriculum is delivered [and] I like the idea that you can go to the stores and get discounts”, Acting Headteacher for Cotton Field, Anita Das said.
Headteacher of Mashabo Primary, Modiram Beepat, said that teachers from his school had to be very creative during the pandemic. He noted that the community was faced with a lack of internet connectivity and as such new and innovative ways had to be established for Mashabo children to stay abreast with the curriculum. Beepat believes that the ministry’s Welfare and Benefits Programme is a good initiative and a first step to appreciating teachers’ work.
Teachers are part of the Ministry
According to the MoE Education Specialist, Dr Olato Sam, teachers are part of the Ministry of Education and as such the ministry sees it as its duty to examine ways in providing tangible benefits to teachers. He said that the ministry is currently transforming the Department of Education from the “command and control” centres they were traditionally known as, to much-needed support and development hubs of the system.
“We are here to serve our teachers, who are the most critical players in the system, [the] Minister made a firm commitment to all our teachers that we will work with you and support you in the ways necessary for you to effectively deliver in the classroom,” Dr Sam said.
The education specialist pointed out that the MoE has embraced the concept of the welfare of teachers being the “sine qua non” or the essential ingredient in improving the standing of the profession. He said that the Teachers Welfare and Benefits programme comprises six critical facets which include discounts on various services across a wide range of sectors (including but not limited to electronics, telecommunications, retail goods, air transportation, household furniture and appliances, and optical care). Currently, over one hundred businesses have signed up across the regions and he said the list will continue to expand as additional businesses recognise the importance of supporting teachers. Additionally, teachers would be able to benefit from a comprehensive health insurance package, revolving mortgage fund, teachers benevolence programme, and an annual teachers conference.
“This initiative is merely the beginning but they are an open invitation, a clarion call to all to come on board to value and recognise our teachers in the significant ways they truly deserve,” Dr. Sam said.
Meanwhile, Regional Education Officer Nichola Matthews said that 970 teachers across the region will benefit from the programme. She lauded the efforts of the Ministry of Education for recognising the efforts of the teachers in the region.
Attending the launches were the Prime Minister’s Representative Arnold Adams, and RDC Councillor Shaleene Sookdeo along with other top officials from the MoE.
