United Teachers Union of Zambia (UNITUZ) president Paul Chipimo has called on the government to expedite the upgrading of teachers with qualifications whose process he said is not being taken seriously by the Ministry of Education.

Mr Chipimo said it is unfair for teachers who are performing huge responsibilities are still in low salary grades.

The UNITUZ president was speaking in Shiwang’andu District yesterday during this year’s teachers day celebrations held at Kalalantekwe grounds.

Mr.Chipimo notes that despite the Presidential pronouncements, little is being done to respond to critical issues affecting teachers.

He pointed out that this year’s theme “Valuing Teacher voices towards a social contract for education” speaks volume and called on the government to be engaging teachers in matters affecting their profession.

He added that decisions that are made without the participation of teachers, contradicts with the role of a teacher in the learning process adding that the impact falls on learners.

Mr. Chipimo emphasised on the need to have a voice of a teacher to all reforms being made.

“Our voices must be heard, valued and respected in all discussions surrounding education reforms and policy implementation, a social contract between teachers, government and society must be enhanced and always engaged for best results,” he said.

Meanwhile, Shiwangandu District Commissioner Maureen Bwembya said the government is aware of the challenges that teachers are facing especially on personal emoluments.

Ms. Bwembya said despite other challenges the government has made strides in the improvement of learners’ conditions by procuring more desks and infrastructure development which has contributed to the increase in teacher- pupil ratio.

The DC who was the guest of Honor at this year teacher’s day said this year’s theme resonates well with government goals of improving the education sector by working with various stakeholders.

She appealed to teachers to be patient with the government saying their challenges will be looked into soon.

The DC encouraged teachers grappling with accommodation to be patient adding that next year 40 percent of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) will be used to construct teacher houses as a motivation.

At the same event 70 teachers were awarded in different categories ranging from most improved, most committed to duty, best performance with above 80 percent results at examination level among other categories.