The ILO Recommendations of 1994 on the status of teachers definitely represent a landmark in our struggle for a better future for our profession and in most countries, many of these recommendations are not respected. It is the duty of all members of the profession to remind government constantly about its obligations to teachers in this context.

In Mauritius, there are various important aspects of those recommendations, which our employer still ignores like those relating to leave, security, promotion, training, etc. But it is also a fact that over the years a lot has been achieved through the struggle of the major union in the profession. The foremost achievements in this regard relate to new promotional prospects, alignment of salaries to teachers of secondary schools, long salary scale, etc.

To-day teachers need to be further sensitized on the issue of quality education, which constitutes one of the major concerns of all partners in education in the world. At the same time it is our responsibility to ensure that the image of the profession is not tarnished and, in this context, a lot needs to be done. The teaching profession is called a noble profession and it is incumbent on all of us to defend, safeguard and promote this reputation.

Our group has all the time actively participated in the formulation of new policies for the education sector and, as the government is now seeking for new proposals, we request all our colleagues to participate in the exercise through their respective schools. We should keep in mind the fact that all new policies will have a direct bearing on us.

Our group is fully conscious of the serious challenges that are the NLNS, the issue of the increasing load of work for GP teachers, promotion for ALL teachers as well as the anomalous situation faced by DHTs. We will overcome all of them only through unity and solidarity and by recognizing and telling the truth about those who for long used lies and who now seem trapped in their own web and are not able to deliver.

Long live teachers’ unity and solidarity! Long live our struggle!

Jugdish Lollbeeharry</B>