Extend checks on drunkards to pupils-NAQEZ

Tue, 30 Jan 2018 10:54:55 +0000

By MUKOSELA KASALWE

IT will be meaningless to subject only teachers to breathalysers when the majority of pupils are also drunkards, the National Action for Quality Education-NAQEZ- in Zambia has observed.

NAQEZ Executive Director, Aaron Chansa said the organisation cautiously supports the initiative by the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) to distribute breathalysers in schools and urged the authority to consult widely before implementing such a policy.

Mr Chansa wondered whether unions and other stakeholders were consulted on the issue, saying many teachers were surprised by the announcement.

In an interview with the Daily Nation yesterday, he expressed hope that if well implemented, breathalysers could help halt the tendency of some teachers who report for work drunk, adding that the move should also apply to pupils who also go to school drunk.

“We cautiously support the initiative and urge the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) to consult widely before implementing the policy. If well implemented it will help stop the tendency of some teachers who go to work drunk. As NAQEZ we would like this to be extended to pupils as well due to the fact that some of them go to school drunk,” he said.

Mr Chansa also noted that it was unfortunate that some teachers drink beer with their pupils, a situation he said adversely affected the academic performance of both teachers and pupils.

He however, said NAQEZ commends the TSC for its various efforts in trying to normalise many issues in the teaching service.

Mr Chansa said the TSC chairperson Stanley Mhango and his team should be supported and encouraged to work even harder.

TSC recently said plans were underway to procure breathalysers to curb drunkenness among teachers while on duty.

Mr Mhango observed that the mining sector had managed to control drunkenness on duty to avoid accidents and that the commission wanted to emulate the idea.

He noted that reports of alcoholism among teachers were rampant and should be dealt with decisively.