19th March, 2024

To: The Secretary for Education

Private Bag 328

Lilongwe

cc: The Registrar, Teachers Council of Malawi

Dear Sir,

Subject: Concerns Regarding Teachers Council Operationalization

We write on behalf of the Public Secondary School Teachers to address the above stated subject.
We wish to express our support for the establishment of the Teachers Council, an entity that will
regulate the teaching profession in Malawi. Teachers have welcomed this initiative as a means to
enhance professionalism and standards within our profession.

However, it has come to our attention that teachers are deeply concerned about the fees
associated with registration and subscription to the Teachers Council. While we acknowledge the
need for funding to sustain the operations of the council, the fees proposed are seen as
burdensome to the realities faced by teachers in the secondary school subsector.

Teaching is the backbone of our Education System, yet it is one of the few professions in Malawi
that do not receive professional allowances, risk allowances, and housing allowances.
Furthermore, in many cases, the teaching profession does not have supporting incentives apart
from salaries.

Given these circumstances, teachers find it challenging to accept the proposed fees for
registration and subscription to the Teachers Council. The financial burden imposed by these

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fees is worrisome, particularly when considering the already limited financial resources of many
teachers.

Therefore, we humbly request the Ministry of Education to allow for dialogue and consultation
with teachers before the implementation of the fees payment. It is crucial that teachers have a
voice in this matter, as they are the ones directly impacted by this exercise.

We propose that a constructive dialogue takes place between the Ministry of Education and
representatives of the teaching profession to discuss a fee structure that is fair and equitable. This
would ensure that the fees associated with the operationalization of the Council are a
collaborative effort that takes into account the concerns and needs of teachers.

In conclusion, we reiterate our support for the establishment of the Teachers Council as a means
to augment the teaching profession in Malawi. However, we urge the Ministry of Education to
reconsider the proposed fees and engage in dialogue with teachers to find a mutually acceptable
solution.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. We look forward to a productive discussion and
resolution.

PILIRANI KAPOLO DRUWEN MOYO

(President) (General Secretary)

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