Schooling of 666 uncertain

The only government school in Jurachhari upazila has been facing an acute shortage of teachers for over seven or eight years, hampering academic activities greatly.

Bhubanjoy Government High School is running with only three teachers, including its headmaster, so classes cannot be held regularly.

The school was established in 1970. In 1986, it was upgraded to government high school. Chattogram Education Board recognised it the same year and gave permission for running humanities, science and business groups. At that time, the school had the required number of teachers, but now there are only three teachers against 11 posts.

Although two teachers were appointed recently, one of them was transferred elsewhere while the other has not joined yet.

 In the absence of teachers, many students have left the school and the future of 666 students is uncertain.

Some parents said the quality of education is not improving because there is no subject-matter teacher. The result in the last Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examinations was the worst for the school, they added. They demanded appointment of teachers soon.

Rasel Chakma, a student of business studies, said there are no teachers for the course, but they have to study it. “I cannot afford to study in Rangamati town or outside. I don't know what will happen in my life,” Rasel added.

 Priti Purno Chakma, 45, a guardian, said her son could not study properly due to teacher shortage, so he faces an uncertain future.

For the last eight years, there has been no teacher for biology, mathematics, higher mathematics, trade, chemistry, and physics. Seventh graders Purna and Sumonti Chakma said one teacher taught all the subjects in their class.

Headmaster (in-charge) Shantimoy Chakma said teachers of different subjects are teaching other subjects. “I have submitted several letters to the higher authorities for appointment of teachers, but to no avail,” he added.

 Teachers said they have to take seven to eight classes per day, and it is not possible to teach properly in this situation.

Jurachhari upazila Secondary Education Officer Abul Kalam Azad said results in JSC and SSC examinations are likely to be very poor if the teacher crisis is not resolved quickly.

Jurachhari Upazila Parishad Vice-Chairman Riton Chakma said there is shortage of teachers although it is the only government school in the upazila. The government should appointment teachers as soon as possible, he added.

Jurachari Upazila Nirbahi Officer Muhammad Mahfuzur Rahman said he will submit a letter to the education ministry soon for solving the problem.