Secondary school teachers received promotions over a year ago, yet we still wait for the Malawi Government to keep its word. Many teachers face money troubles because of these broken promises. The government promoted me last February, but I only started seeing my new pay in October. They never gave me back pay for March through September, plus they paid me less than they should have.
This leaves me broke and feeling defeated about my job. Some of my fellow teachers never saw a penny of their new salaries or back pay. Many never even received official letters confirming their promotions. Education officials sent a note on May 9, 2024, saying everyone would have their money by June. That date came and went with empty pockets for most teachers.
Teachers who moved to new schools after promotions really suffered. They kept earning old salaries for months despite higher living costs at new locations. To survive, teachers borrowed money, thinking back pay would arrive soon. A year passed with nothing. Loan payments eat up what little we make. How can anyone teach at a new place when they can barely afford basic needs?
Teachers cannot focus on helping students succeed when they worry about paying rent or buying food. The quality of education drops when teachers struggle with money problems. Our union, SESTU, talked to the Education Ministry on October 7, warning they might strike if nothing happens by December. Nobody tells us what came of those meetings.
This problem goes beyond paperwork mistakes - it hurts teachers who shape young minds. We should not beg for money we have already earned. The government must pay all missing salaries right away and fix the pay scales. SESTU needs to push harder for action before teacher morale disappears completely. Without respect for teachers, education in Malawi has a dark future.
This leaves me broke and feeling defeated about my job. Some of my fellow teachers never saw a penny of their new salaries or back pay. Many never even received official letters confirming their promotions. Education officials sent a note on May 9, 2024, saying everyone would have their money by June. That date came and went with empty pockets for most teachers.
Teachers who moved to new schools after promotions really suffered. They kept earning old salaries for months despite higher living costs at new locations. To survive, teachers borrowed money, thinking back pay would arrive soon. A year passed with nothing. Loan payments eat up what little we make. How can anyone teach at a new place when they can barely afford basic needs?
Teachers cannot focus on helping students succeed when they worry about paying rent or buying food. The quality of education drops when teachers struggle with money problems. Our union, SESTU, talked to the Education Ministry on October 7, warning they might strike if nothing happens by December. Nobody tells us what came of those meetings.
This problem goes beyond paperwork mistakes - it hurts teachers who shape young minds. We should not beg for money we have already earned. The government must pay all missing salaries right away and fix the pay scales. SESTU needs to push harder for action before teacher morale disappears completely. Without respect for teachers, education in Malawi has a dark future.
