GOVT INTRODUCE FEES IN TEACHERS TRAINING COLLEGES: TUM NOT AMUSED

The government of Malawi through Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MoEST) has finally introduced tuition fees in the country’s Teachers Training Colleges (TTC) despite resistance from some quarters.

The development was disclosed in a Press Statement released recently, announcing the names of successful candidates to pursue Primary Teacher Training course under the Initial Primary Teacher Education (IPTE 11) scheduled to commence on Monday September 14, 2015.

According to the statement, students will now be paying MK105, 000 for the whole academic year.

“Please take note that student teachers will not be given any upkeep allowances during the period they will be at their respective colleges.

Additionally, all candidates are expected to pay K5, 000.00 tuition fees and K30, 000.00 boarding fees, on the day of registration.

“The candidates are further informed that tuition fees for one academic year is K15, 000 whereas boarding fees is K90.000,” reads in part the statement.

Reacting to the development, Teachers Union of Malawi (TUM) general secretary, Denis Kalekeni trashed the idea, saying the development will further perpetrate the dwindling of quality of education in the country.

He said needy student from the village would not manage the fees thereby reducing the number of Teachers to be trained per year.