OUR teachers are the educators of Guyana’s future generation. It is they who are responsible for educating the nation. Teachers, however, have remained on the lower end of the income bracket for a long time. Subsequent salary increases by the government have helped to better this, but there still remains many challenges that teachers experience. The government, in an understanding with the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) has reached another 5-year comprehensive package agreement to better these conditions, and ultimately enhance the quality of teaching in Guyana.

With this new agreement, teachers will receive a 5% increase in salaries and scholarships will become available for them to pursue higher education. Having trained teachers in our schools should be a priority for any government, as it improves the standard and quality of education that an individual receives. This agreement will carry the percentage of trained teachers in our schools to 90% by 2015.

From the news report, housing and transportation for teachers are also concerns of the government.

According to Education Minister Shaik Baskh, 100 house lots will be reserved for teachers yearly, and $40 million will be added to the current $200 million revolving housing fund for teachers to assist them in building their homes.

Duty free concessions which were reserved for only certain categories of head teachers will now be revised to cater for other teachers. The quality of education offered to students in the hinterland areas will also improve as a result of this benefits package for teachers, as greater incentives, such as the $30,000 housing allowance and the travel allowance, will be provided for teachers.

It is my belief that the Ministry of Education has, over the years, significantly improved the education system in this country. The quality of teachers has improved, and this directly impacts on the quality of students produced. This new comprehensive remuneration package will certainly carry the education system to even greater standards.