CTSU against Govt loans to prospective teachers to follow Degree courses
View(s):The Ceylon Teachers Service Union (CTSU) expressed concern over a Govt proposal to offer loans to A/L candidates to follow Degree courses and join as teachers, on completion of their Degrees. CTSU Gen.Sec. Mahinda Jayasinghe told Education Times that this move will lead to teachers with ‘substandard’ Degrees joining the teaching service.
“There is no guarantee the teacher has a recognised Degree, as Degrees from private institutions too, would be accepted under this scheme,” he said. He said this will also lead to a situation where the 19 National Colleges of Education (NCE) will face the threat of closure, as prospective teachers will look to complete their Degrees from private institutions.
“The NCEs need to be upgraded and offer Degrees instead of Diplomas,” he added. Mr Jayasinghe said they intend to resort to trade union action regarding the matter. Education Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam said the loans have not been provided to date, but were willing to consider the concerns and review the programme accordingly. - DW