The Teachers House Programme
“‘Having a decent place to stay provides satisfaction in any job. I am very happy that I was placed at Malangi Primary School, and I am looking forward to staying even longer at this community. These houses have even attracted other teachers, this it assuring that the school will no longer have the challenge of teacher shortage.”
Providing Security, Safety and Quality Education
Addressing the issues surrounding recruitment and the retention of teaching staff to schools in rural areas is often problematic. Remote locations lead teachers to seek the attractions offered by urban places of learning. Many teachers are reluctant to take up positions at rural schools, daunted by the prospect of securing accommodation that is in close proximity to their workplace. With a scarcity of accommodation, the reality may be an exhausting daily trek to a remote school in an outlying area. Arduous? Yes. Perilous? Undoubtedly.
Acceptance of a rural teaching position is often regarded as a temporary measure, and a transitory teaching populace impacts negatively upon the quality of education that is delivered. With opportunities to develop professionally and better working conditions, teachers are enticed by the benefits of working in towns and cities, arguably overlooking the rewards of providing a quality education for those children attending rural schools.
LTT and its partner organisation, MCDO, have been working together to create the working environments that teachers desire, whilst optimising the educational opportunities of children living in rural communities. At Malangi Primary School, the initiation of the Teacher House Programme - the construction of houses, for teachers to rent - has addressed the need of housing provision for its staff. Significantly improving the conditions and well-being of the teachers, on-site accommodation has provided security and instilled a notion of permanence.
Financially, there have been benefits to recipients of the Teacher House Programme. Rents are cheaper than those in urban areas and some individuals have invested portions of their disposable income into agriculture and small businesses, further consolidating their integration into the local community.
Freed from the preoccupation of finding somewhere to live, teachers have been gifted the freedom to concentrate on fulfilling their vocation. Living on-site has enabled teaching staff to provide extra tuition, Saturday morning classes, and offer mentoring support, to ensure that all students are able to realise their potential. Motivation levels have improved and students are more fully engaged in their studies. Student registration is increasing, as the school’s reputation flourishes
Children in rural communities deserve parity with their urban counterparts - as do those who teach them. LTT has responded to the issue of housing provision for teachers working in rural areas: as a result of the Teacher House Programme, teachers are now able to focus on delivering a quality education to students, released from the responsibilities of finding suitable accommodation. Feeling secure. Feeling safe. Having peace of mind.
“‘Through teachers’ house programme, I have gained comfort and felt safe when I moved in to the house, initially I was walking long distance of about 10 kilometres and sometimes was risk because during final exams preparations for Standard 7, teachers stayed longer to support the student, but it was very risk to walk home late.’ ”