As the country marks World Teachers Day, one teacher has raised concerns over the welfare of educators suffering from terminal illnesses.
Violet Aswani says that while efforts made towards improving Teachers’ Day celebrations are commendable, the plight of teachers battling chronic ailments remains largely unaddressed at school and commission levels.
“Am grateful for the contributions made towards improving Teachers’ Day celebrations. My concern is about teachers’ welfare. Most teachers suffer from terminal ailments and are never cared for right from the school level,” Aswani says.
She questions how the Teachers Service Commission can better identify and support teachers living with serious health conditions.
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According to her, many teachers are silently struggling with ailments such as HIV, high blood pressure, diabetes and cancer, with little structured support to help them cope while still delivering in their demanding profession.
“How can the commission better identify and offer support to them? Ailments include HIV, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer,” she asks.
Aswani says beyond the annual celebrations, there is a need for a deliberate welfare programme that addresses the health, psychosocial and financial challenges facing ailing teachers.
By Violet Aswani
Concerned teacher
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