By Flavia Ajok
Sam Peter Ayebale, the Principal Education Officer of Masindi Municipality has challenged teachers in Masindi district to form Savings and Credit Cooperatives (SACCOs) at the school level so that they are not exploited by money lenders and credit institutions such as banks.
Ayebale reveals that instead of running to money lenders, the teachers can utilize the SACCOs which charge lower interest rates. He made the remarks during the World Teachers’ Day celebrations for Masindi held at Country Inn in Masindi town yesterday.
World Teachers’ Day was celebrated under the theme: “The teachers we need for the education we want: The global imperative to reverse the teacher shortage.” The Day falls on the 5th of October and is held annually to celebrate the work of teachers.
Ayebale further asked the teachers to learn to live in their means saying that some teachers are absconding from duty due to multiple loans from financial institutions.
He further commended the government for injecting money in the Teachers’ SACCO noting that it has improved on accessibility of loans.
President Museveni while officiating at the national celebrations to mark World Teachers’ Day in Kampala on Thursday, said government would inject Shs 9 billion balance of the Shs 25bln he pledged in 2011 in the teachers’ SACCOs.
Adolf Kato, the District Inspector of Schools Masindi asked the government to set a conducive environment for teacher operations.
Aled Ronald Akugizibwe, the Member of Parliament for Buruli county asked the Teachers’ SACCO managers to always charge lower interest on loans taken by the teachers.
Officiating the function, Florence Asiimwe the Woman Member of Parliament for Masindi district warned the teachers against unprofessionalism.
