Relief, as graduates assured jobs
MANZIN - Sigh of relief!
This is what the 170 William Pitcher College graduates (class of 2022) felt after the Minister of Education and Training, Owen Nxumalo assured them that they would be hired, in particular the Mathematics and Science educators.
He said their spaces were readily available. The minister’s statement was received a loud round of applause.
It is worth noting that currently a number of qualifying teachers have been sitting at home with their diplomas and degrees because there were no job opportunities. Again, since 2018, government introduced a hiring freeze, which also affected the hiring of qualifying teachers.
The minister also said the college have moulded and curved the graduates to be research-based, innovative teachers of the 21st Century; hence the world hungrily waits for their contribution towards economic revitalisation of best practices to aid the ailing economy and address challenges such as climate change, unemployment and poverty.
“This, therefore, requires you not to rest on your achievements, but to continue in this journey of continuous learning to higher and relevant degrees. Never stop pursuing your education dreams and taking risks in exploring the 21st Century skills in order to remain relevant,” the minister emphasised.
Urged
Again, he urged them to explore their capabilities without reservation to create employment within the education space as the country was challenged by unemployment. He said they have witnessed the mushrooming of schools and locals were not visible.
Ordinarily, he said job opportunities for teachers would always vary between rural, semi- urban and urban areas, though a lot of people normally wish to get jobs in town schools. However, he said regardless of the location, teachers were expected to execute their responsibilities diligently and professionally at all times. He said in the event they get a job in remote areas, they should know that those were the places where children really need their services the most.
“To them, a teacher represents their dreams and hopes, which you (teachers) need to usher to reality through innovative ways. This way, no child is left behind,” the minister said.
On another note, UNESWA Vice Chancellor Professor Justice Thwala, who was speaking with the voice of Dr Eunice Mthethwa said during the era if the 4th Industrial Revolution, where there was an intervention of artificial intelligence, which meant that teaching and learning would no longer be confined with the four-wall classrooms, teachers need to change their mind-set and be creative. He emphasised that the need to upgrade themselves in order to be up-to-date and relevant in the fast changing society.