By Chisomo Phiri
At least 400 teachers in three education zones in Thyolo have refused to implement the new mathematics syllabus in protest of delayed training allowances.
According to sources, the teachers underwent a three-day training on the National Numeracy Program (NNP) in early September 2024 but have yet to receive their lunch allowances of K55,500 each.
The teachers, from Mount View, Mulenga, and Ntambanyama zones, claim that they have abandoned the new teaching materials at the Primary Education Advisor (PEA) offices and are yet to start using the syllabus.
They allege that efforts to inquire about the delay have been met with threats or no meaningful responses from district education authorities.
When approached for comment, Thyolo District Council spokesperson Yamikani Yapuwa requested more time to investigate the matter before responding.
This protest highlights the frustration and dissatisfaction among teachers regarding the lack of support and resources from the authorities.
The delay in paying training allowances has not only affected the teachers’ morale but also hindered the implementation of the new syllabus, potentially impacting the quality of education for students in the affected zones.
