By Solomon T. Gaye Sr.
The Bridge assigned teachers at the various public schools in the 13 Education districts of the Nimba School System have reportedly threatened to lay down their pieces of chalk in demand of stipends owed them.
Speaking on behalf of the aggrieved teachers in Gbedin Public School over the weekend, Randor S. Zarwolo, pointed accusing fingers at the administrators of Bridge for failing to pay teachers their monthly stipends of LD 5000.
“Bridge’s refusal to pay our stipends is creating serious hardship on us as we find it rather difficult to cater to the needs of our family,” Teacher Zarwolo stated.
Speaking on the same issue, Teacher Julius Wehyee explained that monthly stipends of LD 5000 owed them is long overdue since 2021.
‘’Since the beginning of 2021, many of the Bridge sponsored schools situated in Bain- Garr one and 2 Education Districts lack chairs , textbooks, uniforms, thereby creating serious hardship on the school-going children attending the government’s Bridge operated schools in the county,’’ Teacher Wehyee explained.
Speaking in separate remarks, Bridge kindergarten Teacher Jemima Zarwolo called on Bridge to settle their 15 months’ stipends to enable them cater to the needs of their families.
When this paper contacted the Gbedin Public School principal Jack P. Gleatee, he confirmed that Bridge teachers assigned at the school threatened to lay down their tools in their demands are not addressed urgently.
Principal Gleatee disclosed that school contained eight government teachers teaching at the elementary school.
According to the principal, the PTA is now paying little cash to the Bridge teachers as token to keep them in the class while they make sure that they (teachers) get their just stipends.
During a normal routine visit at Bridge Schools in Bain – Garr Education District one and two, Bridge operated Schools the Concern Women Center Community School, Zuluyee Public School, LPRC Community School, it was observed that these schools lack free learning environments prescribed by the Ministry of Education in the country.
When this paper contacted the Bridge County Coordinator Tarweah Boakai via mobile phone, he remained tight-lipped on the prevailing situation.
When this paper also contacted the County Education Officer Moses Dologbaye, he said that plans are underway to settle Bridge teachers, but failed to state any time frame.
