By Saidu Jalloh, D.S. Reporter
FREETOWN — The Sierra Leone Teachers Union has called on Government to urgently review teachers’ salaries, warning that most teachers are earning less than the equivalent of US$100 per month ahead of September school reopening.
Foday Kuyateh, Western Regional Secretary of SLTU, said in a recent media interview that teachers take home about NLe2,400 monthly, despite the critical role they play in the country’s education system.
He disclosed that the SLTU has written to Government requesting discussions on teachers’ salaries and conditions of service before schools reopen.
Kuyateh cited glaring pay disparities in the public sector. He said some government officials earn as much as NLe30,000, while teachers with degree and master’s qualifications receive considerably less.
“Some public-sector institutions pay significantly higher salaries to employees with similar academic qualifications,” he noted, adding that the Union wants Government to take meaningful steps to improve teachers’ welfare.
He warned that poor pay is forcing qualified teachers out of classrooms into better-paying jobs, a trend that threatens education quality nationwide.
The SLTU official also described the Government’s reported allocation of NLe10 per term for each school-going child as “discouraging,” arguing that greater investment is needed to improve the sector.
Kuyateh said education stakeholders are working to address the concerns. Representatives of institutions responsible for education are expected to meet before the end of August, with resolutions to be presented at a wider stakeholders’ meeting for implementation.
He reaffirmed that SLTU remains committed to engaging Government and partners to secure better wages and improved conditions of service for teachers across Sierra Leone.
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