THE Lesotho Association of Teachers (LAT) has slammed the Minister of Education and Training, 'Mamookhori Phiri for closing schools earlier than normal, saying she has been ill advised.

The LTA secretary general, Letsatsi Ntsibolane said even though they welcome the idea for their members to work in a safe environment free of COVID-19, he feels that the loss of the three days work which had already been planned will be immeasurable.

He said what is most disturbing is the fact that some of the learners were already in the middle of their mid-year examinations.
He said the least the minister could have done was to consult the teachers associations or trade unions for the way forward.

“The pre-mature closure of schools has disrupted the school's calendar and the work that has been planned for the learners,” he said.

He said they now have nothing to do but comply with the minister's order even though they are not happy with the decision.
A teacher at Qobete Primary School, Nkhothatseng Moonyane was also not happy about the decision, saying it is not going be easy for the teachers to assess the pupils based on only three subjects written.
She said the best thing the government could have done was to vaccinate teachers against the pandemic as frontliners.
The teachers, she said are now working to ensure that the learners get an education while putting their faith in the hands of God to protect them.