Teacher Trainees Divided Over Gov’t Decision To Replace Allowance With Student Loan
The recent announcement by the Ghanaian government to substitute the teacher trainee allowance with a student loan scheme has elicited a dichotomous response from the affected stakeholders. While some trainees have vehemently opposed the decision, others have expressed support for the initiative.
Those who oppose the move argue that the replacement of the allowance with a loan scheme would impose an undue financial burden on them, even before they commence their teaching careers. They fear that the financial institutions may exploit them through exorbitant deductions, thereby making it arduous for them to repay the loans.
Conversely, proponents of the decision contend that the allowance system has become anachronistic and that the introduction of a loan scheme would place them on an equal footing with their university counterparts, who do not receive such stipends. They are urging the Ministry of Education to increase the loan amount, as the existing allowance is insufficient to cover their needs.
Some trainees at Berekum College of Education expressed strong opposition to the move, arguing that it would place an unnecessary financial burden on them. “We prefer the small allowance to any form of loan,” one trainee said, insisting that the stipend, though minimal, provides much-needed financial relief.
The debate surrounding the government’s decision has sparked intense discussion among education stakeholders, with many calling for a comprehensive review of the policy to ensure that it aligns with the needs and aspirations of teacher trainees.
In related news, the government has announced the suspension of feeding allowances for teacher trainees. This move has been met with criticism from some quarters, with some arguing that it would exacerbate the financial difficulties faced by trainees.
The Education Minister, Haruna Iddrisu, has been at the center of the controversy, with some calling for his removal over the government’s decision. However, others have defended the minister, arguing that the decision to replace the allowance with a loan scheme is a necessary step towards modernizing the education system.
The development has also sparked reactions from other stakeholders, including the President of the Conference of Principals of Colleges of Education, Ghana (PRINCOF), Professor Samuel Awinkene Atintono.
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