Lessons in economics

Teachers are more often than not the unsung heroes responsible for molding and guiding the morals and ethics that make up the social fabric of a community.

I was dumbfounded to read Mr. Azwar Siri's comment in the Oct. 9 edition relating to teachers in West Sumatra: "The pay is unquestionably low, but remember that being a teacher is not only about making money, it is also a social service."

Is Mr. Siri implying that teachers should provide their service to society for low pay simply out of the goodness of their hearts? A good heart needs food too! Many of my teacher friends in Sumatra work second jobs as cleaners, waitresses or tutors so that they can maintain a reasonable standard of living.

High schools in West Sumatra are now opting to increase teachers working hours to cope with a shortage of teachers, however quality teaching requires time outside working hours for lesson planning, preparation of materials, evaluation and assessment. Increasing demands on teachers paid at such sub- standard levels will without doubt have a negative effect on the quality of teaching.

As is often said in "Your Letters": The children of today are the future of the nation.

Surely education must be the highest of government priorities worthy of whatever financial support it takes to ensure a literate and educated society.

Perhaps the "shortage of teachers" is due to qualified teachers seeking their livelihood in other professions. As a friend who has recently moved to Jakarta told me "It's too expensive to even become a teacher, let alone survive as one!"

ANDI BENSON

Jakarta