Kiswahili teachers in the Greater Kibaale Districts of Kagadi and Kakumiro district are seeking government support in the implementation of Kiswahili Language in the new lower secondary curriculum.
Speaking during a one day training for over 260 Kiswahili teachers and students from 15 schools in the greater Kibaale districts , the National coordinator Kiswahilli teachers association, Samuel Kisitu asked government to render necessary help to teachers and students in areas scholastic materials and salaries enhancement.
"While learning Kiswahili is important especially with economic integration across East Africa,most schools and students lack scholastic materials but also these teachers since they are unique in nature they need to be considered in salary renumeration, " Kisitu noted.
Morris Monday, the chairperson greater Kibaale District Kiswahili Teachers Association asked government to recruit more teachers, but also extend Kiswahili learning to upper classes since it is of great importance to them as well.
"I don't know why government considered only the lower secondary classes for Kiswahili . This language is equally great for the upper classes, but also most schools don't have Kiswahili teachers. You find one teacher teaching many schools both government and private schools. That means they can't give enough time to students to learn. We call upon government to consider recruiting more teachers ."
Students who attended the workshop lauded the Ministry of education and sports for introducing Kiswahili in schools saying it will help them to communicate with people of different languages who do not understand English and local languages.