This will affect kids in the future – SNAT

NTFONJENI – Going through a whole year without learning can have a lasting negative impact on children. This was noted by the Secretary General (SG) of the Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT) Lot Vilakati. He said when pupils miss crucial lessons such as what they are taught in Grade III, this was likely to affect them when writing the final Eswatini Primary Certificate (EPC) examination in Grade VII.

Vilakati said the Grade VII syllabus included elements from previous grades. He said if a child skipped any of the lower grades, it becomes difficult for him or her to learn when in upper primary classes. He said the biggest challenge was for slow learners who needed more time to understand the syllabus.

He added that completing the syllabus on time ensured that all children were at the same level in learning.

Vilakati said the shortage of teachers was affecting both primary and high schools. He said this was a challenge because it had a negative impact on children. Vilakati said this was what SNAT had been talking about for many years.

“This is what we have been saying that the government does not prioritise education,” said Vilakati.

UnempLoyed

He said in various communities around the country, there were many trained teachers who were unemployed.

The SG said children had a right to education and that government should do whatever was necessary to ensure that they were in school, learning,

Also, Vilakati stressed that though some schools such as Enhlanhleni Primary were teaching only core subjects, pupils had the right to learn all the others. He said all the subjects, not just the core ones, were essential for children even as they prepared for high school. “These subjects they learn in primary school are a base for what they will learn in high school,” said Vilakati.