The General Secretary (Gen. Sec.) of Gambia Teachers Union (GTU), Mrs. Marie Antoinette Corr-Jack, has called on the Gambia Government to be committed, to increase the number of qualified teachers to ensure that educators are empowered, adequate, recruited, well-trained, professionally-qualified, motivated, and supported within well-resourced, efficient and effectively governed systems.
The seasoned educationist made the exhortation on Wednesday during the 2021 Global Action Week for Education (GAWE) celebration organized by Education For All Campaign Network (EFANet) The Gambia, together with members and partners, held at Regional Education Directorate (RED) 6 in Basse, Upper River Region (URR).
GAWE is commemorated every year to remind world leaders of the promises made in the Dakar framework for action in the year 2000 to meet the Education For All (EFA) goals and SDG4.
“We urge the government of the day to fulfill its commitment to ensuring improved working conditions and status of teachers. The government must ensure that teachers are well-prepared and well supported,” the Union’s General Secretary stressed.
She intimated that without qualified teachers, “there is no quality education”, adding pre-service and in service trainings are crucial as well as good working condition, commensurate remuneration and adequate career development opportunities.
Madam Corr-Jack told the Basse event that, the Gambia Teachers Union “joins hands with the global community in the commemoration of GAWE 2021”, and called upon the government to improve the quality of teaching training.
The General Secretary continued: “I pay tribute to our teachers who are working with passion and skills to nurture their students, and whose influence on our country is potentially profound.
“The governments must recognize that investing in teachers is a wise investment in our efforts to build strong economies, cohesive societies, and a future of dignity and opportunity for all.”
She further called on the government to prioritize education in its support mechanisms, especially during these trying moments, declaring: “the entire Gambia teacher’s union reiterates our commitment to working progressively with all stakeholders to ensure that the aspirations of teachers become a reality. We aspire that every child must have a well-motivated, well-qualified and highly professional teacher”.
Madam Musukuta Komma-Bah, ChildFund The Gambia County Director, underlined that achieving national education goals would require additional financial commitment over the coming year.
“No less important is ensuring that these resources are used effectively by reducing spending inefficiencies common in many education systems,” the Fund’s country boss stated.
