Teacher shortage disrupts primary edn in rural areas

Leaders of different teachers' associations and those with some influence are not interested in serving in rural primary schools. They prefer to join such educational institutions in urban areas. This longstanding practice has thrown primary education out of gear, especially in the rural schools.

The 18 month-long training of the teachers in the Primary Training Institute (PTI), maternity leave for pregnant mothers and shortage of headmasters have added to the crisis.

On visiting a number of primary schools in the district, this correspondent witnessed older students teaching their juniors due to want of teachers.

According to sources in the district primary education office in Jhenidah, a guideline from the Director General of Primary and Mass Education in 2010 had selected six government primary schools to run Class I up to Class VIII.  They were: Kabirpur government primary school in Sailkupa, Kapashatia government primary school in Harinakundu, Damodarpur government primary school in Kaliganj, Lakkhikundu government primary school in Kotchandpur and Kushadanga government primary school in Moheshpur.

It was said that adequate staff, including teachers, would be ensured for these schools. But the promise made by the authorities is yet to be fulfilled.

Fursundi government primary school headmaster Ruhul Amin said though he had seven teachers, one of them was sent for the 18-month-long PTI training and another was sent in deputation. He also said the school had to be closed from time to time because of the shortage of teachers. "The students are being deprived of proper education. The whole situation is taking a toll on their educational performances," he added.

In Miakundu government primary school in Jhenidah Sadar, a girl student of Class III, Ankhi Khatun, was seen providing lessons to her classmates.  Asked, Ankhi said she had already attended two classes and was scheduled to attend three more on the day to make up the shortage of teachers. Other children like her and listen to her, she added.

The school's acting headmaster said they had been providing education to  178 students with four teachers. But two among those teachers have gone to receive training in the PTI. Finding no other alternative, they have been providing services with only two teachers for past couple of months.

Even though the matter was informed to the authorities concerned, no step has been taken to recruit teachers for the school, he added.

The Dhananjoypur government primary school management committee president said most of the male teachers were involved in local politics. "They are not interested in serving in rural areas. They prefer to join schools in urban areas where additional teachers have been working," he added.

Moreover, 13 teachers were providing education to 216 students in Bishoykhali government primary school, 14 teachers to 330 students of Kanchanpur government primary school, five teachers for 190 students in Al Hera Islami Institute and 10 teachers to 210 learners in Bhutiargati government primary school. Besides, six teachers have been providing education to 208 learners of Kalikapur government primary school, nine teachers to 184 learners of Sebasangha government primary school, 10 teachers to 169 learners of Adarsha Pathshala, 12 teachers to 470 students of Arrappur model primary school and 12 teachers to 190 students of Maulanabad government primary school in Jhenidah.

District primary education officer (DPEO) Mostaque Ahmed admitted said that leaders of different teachers' associations and other influentials did not show eagerness in serving in rural areas.

A number of teachers have been sent in deputation to meet the emergency needs like teachers’ shortage, but  they do not act in accordance with the order, he added.

Teacher shortage disrupts primary edn in rural areas

Leaders of different teachers associations and those with some influence are not interested in serving in rural primary schools. They prefer to join such educational institutions in urban areas. This longstanding practice has thrown primary education out of gear, especially in the rural schools. The 18 month-long training of the teachers in the Primary Training Institute (PTI), maternity leave for pregnant mothers and shortage of headmasters have added to the crisis. On visiting a number of primary schools in the district, this correspondent witnessed older students teaching their juniors due to want of teachers. According to sources in the district primary education office in Jhenidah, a guideline from the Director General of Primary and Mass Education in 2010 had selected six government primary schools to run Class I up to Class VIII. They were: Kabirpur government primary school in Sailkupa, Kapashatia government primary school in Harinakundu, Damodarpur government primary school in Kaliganj, Lakkhikundu government primary school in Kotchandpur and Kushadanga government primary school in Moheshpur. It was said that adequate staff, including teachers, would be ensured for these schools. But the promise made by the authorities is yet to be fulfilled. Fursundi government primary school headmaster Ruhul Amin said though he had seven teachers, one of them was sent for the 18-month-long PTI training and another was sent in deputation. He also said the school had to be closed from time to time because of the shortage of teachers. The students are being deprived of proper education. The whole situation is taking a toll on their educational performances, he added. In Miakundu government primary school in Jhenidah Sadar, a girl student of Class III, Ankhi Khatun, was seen providing lessons to her classmates. Asked, Ankhi said she had already attended two classes and was scheduled to attend three more on the day to make up the shortage of teachers. Other children like her and listen to her, she added. The schools acting headmaster said they had been providing education to 178 students with four teachers. But two among those teachers have gone to receive training in the PTI. Finding no other alternative, they have been providing services with only two teachers for past couple of months. Even though the matter was informed to the authorities concerned, no step has been taken to recruit teachers for the school, he added. The Dhananjoypur government primary school management committee president said most of the male teachers were involved in local politics. They are not interested in serving in rural areas. They prefer to join schools in urban areas where additional teachers have been working, he added. Moreover, 13 teachers were providing education to 216 students in Bishoykhali government primary school, 14 teachers to 330 students of Kanchanpur government primary school, five teachers for 190 students in Al Hera Islami Institute and 10 teachers to 210 learners in Bhutiargati government primary school. Besides, six teachers have been providing education to 208 learners of Kalikapur government primary school, nine teachers to 184 learners of Sebasangha government primary school, 10 teachers to 169 learners of Adarsha Pathshala, 12 teachers to 470 students of Arrappur model primary school and 12 teachers to 190 students of Maulanabad government primary school in Jhenidah. District primary education officer (DPEO) Mostaque Ahmed admitted said that leaders of different teachers associations and other influentials did not show eagerness in serving in rural areas. A number of teachers have been sent in deputation to meet the emergency needs like teachers shortage, but they do not act in accordance with the order, he added.