STU raises 13 issues during discussion with Education Dept
SIBU: The Sarawak Teachers Union (STU) recently participated in a discussion with the state Education Department.
STU secretary Chung Fui San said a total of 13 issues were raised during the discussion.
They were school operations, students’ vaccination, teachers’ workload, transferring of teachers between districts and states, social issues in schools, examinations, ICT requirements in schools, conditions of school buildings, and requesting the Ministry of Education (MoE) to extend Home-based Teaching and Learning (PdPR) teachers’ contracts and offering them permanent positions.
She pointed out STU faced many challenges during the past two years, especially PdPR issues brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We record our appreciation to all the teachers for their hard work and sacrifices to ensure that students would not fall behind in their lessons during the past two years,” she said during STU Sibu Division’s 19th annual general meeting (AGM) last weekend.
She thanked teachers who were willing to purchase information communication technology (ICT) equipment with their own money to ensure their students could follow classes online.
Separately, Chung said STU was also collaborating with Swinburne University of Technology, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak Business School and Regal College as strategic partners.
On the AGM, Chung was satisfied with the encouraging attendance.
“This proves that the members are very concerned about the development of the STU for only STU is able to look after the interests and welfare of its members,” she added.
STU Sibu chairman Yong Sie Hing, meanwhile, called upon Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government II Michael Tiang to address traffic congestion in school areas. He pointed out teachers also acted as traffic controllers, braving the weather and exposing themselves to danger.
“Hopefully, the MPs, assemblyman, councillors and the police could look into ways of overcoming this problem and letting the teachers focus on their essential task, which is teaching,” he said.