FTA: Do task cordially

EIGHTEEN teachers in the country were transferred in this school year without prior notice, says Fiji Teachers Association general secretary Paula Manumanunitoga.

He said the Ministry of Education’s Human Resource Department is “handled by juveniles”, and urged the department to do their task cordially as they deal with livelihoods.

“I am shocked that communication breakdown is still an in thing for the Ministry of Education,” he said.

In an interview with this newspaper, he said a teacher was transferred to a sub-urban school after serving more years at primary schools in rural areas.

“He just got transferred to a school at a sub-urban area. It was convenient to him since his children would be going to secondary school this year.

“The school he was transferred to by the ministry does not have any secondary school nearby, which is inconvenient.”

He said the ministry should notify teachers within a respective time frame.

“Give these teachers time to respond. We are dealing with humans.”

A schoolteacher who spoke to this newspaper on the condition of anonymity said he went to the school on Monday, only to find out he had been replaced.

“No warning or notice of any such was given to me. This is after serving at the school for three years,” he said.

In response, Education permanent secretary Selina Kuruleca said the ministry had now put into place processes that would minimise these errors.

“Processes I have put in place now include three step verification before the transfers or appointments are made,” she said.

She acknowledged the unions for their continued vested interest in the staff and she welcomed suggestions that they may have to improve service delivery.