One-man show in 43 govt primary schools

The lone teacher with students of classes three, four and five at Char Kornshi Government Primary School in Karimganj upazila Kishoreganj haor area. PHOTO: STAR

Seven of the schools are in Karimganj upazila, parliamentary constituency of Education Minister Dr M Osman Faruk.

Of the rest, 31 are in Bajitpur upazila, one in Itna upazila and two each in Nikli and Mithamoin upazilas.

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It was about 11 in the morning at Char Koranshi Government Primary School in Gujadia union in Karimganj upazila.

This correspondent saw teacher Provat Chandra Biswas briskly moving from one class to another, giving lessons to students from class one to five.

In class five, Runa Akter (roll no. 4) said, "Sir (her teacher) asked us to do sums. He would come after teaching in classes three and four."

This correspondent found some students in that class who could not say what is the English alphabet next to J.

Moving from one class to another and herding children is not Provat Chandra's only duty. As the 'head teacher', he has to perform other duties like maintaining records and doing other official work. He is also a voter enumerator in the area.

Provat Chandra said he is running the school alone since last year. "I have become weary", he said while talking to this correspondent.

Majharul Islam is the lone teacher for 164 students at Char Nawagaon Government Primary School in Sutarpar union in Karimganj upazila. He is there for about two years.

There are 324 students at South Nansri Government Primary School in Joyka union in Karimganj upazila. "I have been running the school for over one year", said Shamsuddin, the lone teacher.

At Tamny Bhuyanpara Government Primary School in Gojadia union in Karimganj, Helal Uddin said he is teaching 218 students from class one to five since January.

Same is the condition with many other schools in Karimganj. These include Bhati Gangatia Government Primary School with 183 students, Mokambari Government Primary School with 200 students and Shodhi Government Primary School with 253 students.

In some schools, students said they often return home finding rooms closed without any prior notice.

In some of the schools, the lone teacher has divided classes into two shifts according to his convenience. Often, students of classes one, two and three huddle in one room and the lone teacher gives them lessons for one class after another.

In some others, the school is run in two shifts. Students of class one and two come for about an hour in the morning. Next come students of class three, four and five.

Karimgan thana Education Officer Touhidul Islam is aware of the condition of primary education in his area. But he has 'nothing to do as' teachers manage higher officials and leave the haor areas. Most of them cite bad road link and lack of accommodation a reasons for not staying in the area, he said.

District Primary Education Officer (DPEO) Sultan Miah said a special policy is needed for these primary schools.

Many newly appointed teachers left their jobs within six months after they were transferred to the remote haor areas, he said.

"Raituti union in Itna upazila is about 30 kilometres from the upazila Sadar. To reach there, one must walk six to seven miles in dry season and hire a boat in the monsoon, which costs at least Tk 100 for the 5-6 hours' journey", he said.

Government has provided motorbikes to Upazila Education Officers but these are of no use in haor areas, the DPEO said.

He suggested that local jobless educated youths should be appointed as teachers in their respective areas after training.