SOLOMONs Opposition leader Matthew Wale has raised concerns over clause 79(1)(a) of the new Education Bill, which parliament passed this week.

Clause 79(1)(a), in essence, provides for the termination of teachers on the grounds of mental or physical incapacity. 

Wale said clause 79(1)(a) could sideline even some of the world’s most brilliant minds from the teaching profession.

 “Consider the late Professor Hawkins or Dr Nash. Both carried unique challenges, but their intellectual contributions were undeniably profound,” Wale said in parliament.

“Under this clause, such gifted individuals would face termination,” he added. 

He said the Government’s approach should be one of compassion, rather than termination.

“When faced with physical or mental challenges, our educators deserve care and support. 

“We should value and appreciate their contributions rather than hastily ending their careers.”

Wale recommended that the decision regarding the continued employment of such teachers should be left to the discretion of education providers – assessing each case individually in order to reach a more holistic and empathetic approach. 

“In our pursuit of embracing all Solomon Islanders, especially those frequently overlooked at the margins of society, it is concerning to see a clause in a new Bill that could impede this noble effort. 

“Government would do well to fix this,” the Opposition leader said. 

Education minister Lanelle Tanangada says the new Education Act provides for the administration and regulation of Early Childhood, Primary and Secondary, including providing for registration of Teachers, Education Providers, Schools and Early Childhood Education sectors and repeal the existing education Act caps (69).

Tanangada stated education for our children is vital to our long-term economic and social development, hence there is a need to review the existing Act.

She said the last education Act was passed in 1978, the same year the country attained political independence and has been reviewed for more than a decade ago.

Tanangada added  the process of reviewing the old Act and drafting the new Legislative framework to support the education sector of today and into the future has been one of the biggest tasks her ministry has undertaken.