Sacking teachers was uncalled for

Editor, On January 14, The New Times reported that ‘Four teachers at Gihembe refugee camp had been sacked.’I would like to express my disappointment with the way the Jesuit Refugee Services (JRS) sacked the four teachers at Gihembe Refugee Primary School in Gicumbi.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Children watch acrobats during celebrations to mark World Refugee Day at Gihembe Refugee camp in 2007. (File photo)

Editor,

On January 14, The New Times reported that ‘Four teachers at Gihembe refugee camp had been sacked.’
I would like to express my disappointment with the way the Jesuit Refugee Services (JRS) sacked the four teachers at Gihembe Refugee Primary School in Gicumbi.

If the teachers had accused their headmistress of fuelling ethnic divisions, this matter should have been fully investigated first.

Sacking the teachers was unwise, irresponsible, and unfair, especially before their case was heard.

The JRS’s action portrays a bad picture to some of us who are keen on pointing out wrongs no matter the repercussions.

The JRS was wrong to sack the teachers before consulting district education authorities, even if  they were considered unfit to serve in that school.

The JRS should have been interested in sorting out the issues before thinking of firing the quartet.

Joseph Barengayabo, Gicumbi

Editor’s Note;The teachers were later reinstated.