Current controversy over minimum qualification requirements for teachers should be settled between Ministry and teachers' unions - Chaudhry

Fiji Labour Party Leader, Mahendra Chaudhry says the current controversy over minimum qualification requirements for posts in the teaching service should be settled between the Education Ministry and the teachers' unions.

Chaudhry says this is what the unions must demand and accept no less from the Government.

He says it is not for the Ministry to dictate its own terms and threaten to replace serving teachers who may not have the newly designated qualifications.

The FLP Leader says if there is a need to upgrade qualifications for particular positions, then this should apply to new entrants and serving officers should be encouraged and assisted to upgrade through in-service training awards.

Chaudhry further says teachers who have taught for years and have acquired valuable professional experience and expertise should be respected and not mocked.

We sent questions to the Permanent Secretary for Education, Dr. Anjeela Jokhan yesterday afternoon and are awaiting a response.