C S C Q B E COMMENDS GVT

The introduction of the two point five billion kwacha rural teacher hardship allowance last year was hailed as a move in the right direction in improving the country’s educational standards.And Civil Society Coalition for Quality Basic Education Acting Executive Director, Mr. Benedicto Kondowe, says the programme was worthy it, despite the country’s shoestring budget. A local educational non governmental organization says the challenges currently rocking the rural teacher hardship allowance program can lower the education standards in the country’s primary schools.Civil Society Coalition for Quality Basic Education Acting Executive Director, Mr. Benedicto Kondowe, says government proper mechainism to avert the challenges facing the program.Deputy Minister of Education responsible for primary and secondary education, Mr. Songazaudzu Sajeni, says his ministry will, once and for all, sort out all outstanding balances February month end.But ever since its introducation last year, the program has been rocked by numerous challenges, including some teachedrs being omitted from the allowance payroll.These challenges, says Mr. Kondowe, can lower the country’s standards if not handled properly.Deputy Minister of Education, responsible for primary and secondary education, Mr. Wictor Songazaudzu Sajeni has acknowledged that the programe has been facing numerous challenges.He says the problems will be rectified February end.Government allocated a total of two point five billion kwacha for the rural teacher hardship allowance for primary school teachers in the country