Lessons in economics

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