Timoci Bure, the Deputy Secretary Primary/Secondary for Education lambasted principals & teachers for their involvement in politics.
He warned that if teachers wanted to save their career they must not get involved in politics: Stay out of politics he ranted. I am shocked at this kind of shallow thinking & teachers unions not reacting.
Is it a ground reality to keep teachers out of politics when they are so heavily involved with serving the community?
This man must be from some other planet to paddle such impractical ideas. Principals and teachers are an educated lot who as a group must speak out on issues affecting education or any other issues affecting any sector of our society.
Yes, as civil servants, teachers are duty bound to carry out the policies of the Government. However, the Fiji Principals Association cannot be gagged ! As an organisation it must raise its collective voice on any issue. This is their fundamental democratic right and no one can shut them off.
Fiji has two teachers organisations: Fiji Teachers Union & the Fijian Teachers Association and teachers are members of these organisations. They are bound to show their political affiliation to political parties who will promote their agenda.
So the talk of keeping teachers out of politics is a load of impractical nonsense in my view.
I have served two terms as president of the esteemed Fiji Principals Association & I reckon teachers must enjoy all fundamental democratic rights to attend political meetings & to speak or write on issues that affect them. They cannot be treated as tame ducks. They are the intelligentsia of society !
My best wishes to all principals & teachers.
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