Foundation says teachers still unsung heros, urges adequate attention
By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu
The Team Leader of Regalo Hope Foundation, Dr Chinenye Onuorah, has appealed to governments, religious bodies, private organisations and philanthropists for a collective action to improve the lives of Nigeria teachers.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, Onuorah expressed dissatisfaction at the living and working conditions of some teachers.
She said that teachers were making sacrifices and playing key roles in character moulding and, therefore, deserved the best care and reward.
She described teachers as mentors, counsellors and role models.
“If we don’t act now, we are signing off on the collapse of our future.
“Our teachers, the very architects of tomorrow, are among the under-appreciated and under-paid professionals in the country.
“With delayed salaries sometimes, they still rise every morning to face overcrowded classrooms and outdated and crumbling infrastructure.
“Some administer teaching without textbooks, electricity and modern apparatuses,” Onuorah said.
According to her, teachers nurture doctors, engineers, lawyers and others but some of them cannot afford the basic needs of life.
“Some walk miles to school, some sleep hungry.
“Many take odd jobs after school just to survive but pour their hearts into shaping lives.
“We must do better and bring to bear a system that respects, protects and rewards its teachers because without them, there is no future,” she told NAN.
The team leader, disclosed that the foundation, through its Support Fund, pay rents for some teachers who were on the verge of eviction.
“These are people who shape lives daily; yet, they live in fear of homelessness.
“That is not only unacceptable, it is inhumane. Teachers’ roles are critical in shaping the future.
‘’Their living and working conditions calls for urgent and adequate attention.
“Let’s join forces to create a better life for them, because as teachers’ lives get transformed, students get better and communities flourish,” she said.
Onuorah urged reforms which would restore dignity to the teaching profession.
She called for housing schemes with low-interest mortgages, as well as a comprehensive health insurance which would cover mental health, for teachers.
Onuorah also called for provision of modern teaching tools and internet access for teachers.
She also urged continuous training of teachers as well as pension reform and retirement security for them. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Ijeoma Popoola
