Maneb accused of exploiting teachers
Secondary School Teachers Union has accused Malawi National Examinations Board (Maneb) of ill-treating teachers in the administration and marking of national examinations.
The union has since called on Maneb to address the teachers’ concerns failing which they take action, including shunning marking of this year’s examinations.
In a letter addressed to Maneb dated July 9 2024, the union has protested payment of allowances in installments as well as failure to provide accommodation to supervisors and invigilators.
The union said delays in paying teachers’ allowances is a financial burden and also demoralising.
Reads the letter in part: “Despite our prior advice and numerous appeals to Maneb to reconsider this arrangement, our concerns have consistently fallen on deaf ears.
“The current transport infrastructure is not only unreliable, but also poses a great inconvenience and financial strain on teachers who are already under- compensated.”
The union’s president Pilirani Kapolo said allowances for marking national examinations are low and teachers want the rates to be reviewed.
He said: “This is exploitation. Maneb is exploiting teachers.
“Teachers are dedicated to ensure proper administration of examinations, but they are being abused.”
Maneb executive director Professor Dorothy Nampota said she cannot comment on issues that have not been officially presented to Maneb.
But Civil Society Education Coalition executive director Benedicto Kondowe in an interview on Wednesday warned against ignoring the teachers’ concerns. “Teachers need proper allowances to be motivated and to also avoid being tempted to leak examinations for financial gains,” he said.
