Govt moves to fix teacher shortage
Speaking to the media, he stated that recruitment of teachers through the Educational Testing and Evaluation Agency (ETEA) is currently underway to ensure merit-based hiring of qualified educators.
Under the Double Shift School Program, teachers are also being appointed on a temporary basis via Parent-Teacher Councils. Additionally, recruitment is ongoing in various districts under a UNICEF-supported initiative. The minister further revealed that interns are also being hired this year under a new scheme to support schools facing acute shortages.
Emphasizing the importance of teacher presence in classrooms, Minister Tarakai said, "Every classroom must have a teacher — this is non-negotiable. We are committed to ensuring the availability of at least one teacher in each classroom across the province."
He also highlighted the role of the Education Management Information System (EMIS), stating that comprehensive teacher data is being collected to guide effective planning and deployment. "We are focusing heavily on teacher training, and have finalized an agreement with the University of Cambridge to provide professional development for newly recruited teachers through ETEA," he added.
The education minister also stressed the government's commitment to digital learning, stating that e-books and digital resources are being prioritized.
"Tablets and internet connectivity will be integrated into the education system. We are modernizing our infrastructure to ensure that our children are equipped to meet the demands of the 21st century," said Tarakai.
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