Teachers Union of Malawi (TUM) has called for the extension of teachers’ registration, saying at least 20 000 are yet to register and barring them will affect the delivery of quality education.
In a letter dated January 6 2025 to Teachers Council of Malawi (TCM), TUM is requesting to have the period extended to June 2025 after it closed on December 31 2024.
TUM secretary general Charles Kumchenga, who signed the letter, bemoaned the barring of unregistered teachers from January 6 2025.
Reads the letter in part: “This decision could have a detrimental impact on the education system, particularly in under-resourced and rural schools, where the majority of unregistered teachers are located.”
In an interview on Tuesday, Kumchenga said about 82 000 teachers have registered while over 20 000 are yet to do so.
He said: “Of course we have not heard of any teacher being sent back for not registering. Teachers have been calling us and we are advising them to report for duties.
“The council is yet to respond to our request but we are sure it will respond positively.”
Ministry of Education director of quality assurance services Golden Msilimba did not pick up his phone when called several times.
Civil Society Education Coalition executive director Benedicto Kondowe said the period would ensure that all eligible teachers are given the opportunity to comply with the registration requirements, ultimately promoting inclusivity and fairness in the education sector.
