The exodus of teachers and nurses continues unabated, it was revealed in the Parliament.
Will we ever be able to arrest this trend? From the statistics provided it seems the trend will continue, regardless.
The working conditions of teachers in our schools are horrifying – oversized classes, poor facilities, and draconian laws, which send a chill down teachers’ spine.
They are overloaded with paperwork and high demands for extra-curricular activities. They have to work according to the school timetable hence the stress factor keeps mounting.
Nervous breakdown is a reality. Teachers are caged in like prisoners without fair remunerations for extra work that they have to put in.
Therefore, the best thing is to move to greener pastures and work in a more relaxed condition.
To re-employ retired teachers is not a solution to the problem. The quality of education will continue to suffer. The solution is to attend to the core problems such as class sizes and salaries and employment terms and conditions.
These issues have been festering in the education system for years, but nothing has been done to relax the situation.
Nurses too are working under trying circumstances – poorly paid and over worked.
There is a high demand for their services in Australia, New Zealand and the United States of America.
Therefore, at the first opportunity, they move onto greener pastures. Can you really blame them? No! It is fair to get better paid jobs for the family’s financial security.
So, they move on and with ample money in their pockets; they can always come back home for family commitments. Air travel is so easy these days.
Government has a serious problem on hand to retain the skilled labour with technical expertise and professional cadre, with recognised qualifications.
It is an uphill battle despite what the ministers may say.
Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj