Chirundu in early childhood teachers shortage

LILIAN CHIKANDI writes

A SERIOUS shortage of early childhood teachers in primary schools has hit Chirundu district.
A concerned parent of Chirundu central ward, Alfred Phiri said as a result, there is poor performance among the pupils in lower primary grades from grade one to three.
Mr Phiri charged that it was disappointing to note that teachers with degree certificates in early childhood were assigned to secondary schools.
He explained that the foundation of learning was what mattered before a pupil could reach the secondary level.
“But if pupils have a very poor foundation and know nothing they will give misery to teachers at secondary level,” he said
Mr. Phiri said it was very depressing to note that that some pupils’ handwriting was bad and unreadable while others could not even read or speak good English.
He said the education system in the district should change and ensure that there was more effort put at the beginning when building foundation of learners so that when they reach secondary level, learning can be much easier for both teachers and learners.
Mr. Phiri further suggested that early childhood teachers must also be very qualified and have degrees and be very experienced because they are dealing with a very important level of learning to grill the pupils.
And when contacted for a comment, Chirundu district education board secretary Ms Veronica Mubanga said she was aware of the situation but could not there and then give a correct and detailed report.
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