NUTP pans education office's workshop after 11 teachers down with Covid-19

 

The National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) panned the Kuala Terengganu education office for asking teachers to attend a workshop that resulted in 11 of them coming down with Covid-19.

"NUTP is disappointed and concerned by reports that 11 teachers have been confirmed positive with Covid-19.

"The Kuala Terengganu education office's enthusiasm in gathering teachers for the workshop had exposed them to the risk of infection," said NUTP secretary-general Harry Tan Huat Hock.

He also questioned the Kuala Terengganu education office's sensitivity towards the pandemic when it called the teachers for a face-to-face gathering.

"Were the teachers given personal protective equipment or the standard operating procedures (SOPs) followed?" he said.

In light of the incident, Tan also expressed concern at the Education Ministry's decision to have students taking examinations to resume lessons at schools.

This includes students sitting for the SPM, STPM, STAM and SVM examinations.

The rest of the students are allowed to learn from home.

The Education Ministry had said this meant that only 20 percent of students are in school and it was necessary so as not to disrupt the future of the students' tertiary education.

On a separate issue, Tan complained that some schools were making teachers, who have returned to school, teach from 7.30am to 4.30pm.

This was despite the official schooling hours ending at 2.30pm.

He said the long hours do not help the teaching and learning process for both teachers and students.

He also expressed concerns about their health. - Mkini