MWANZA: THE Tanzania Teachers’ Union (TTU) has revealed that about 700m/- is spent annually on handling legal cases involving teachers, including criminal offences.
The Chairperson of TTU in Sengerema District, Mr Zakaria Muganda, disclosed this during an emergency district general meeting of the union held in Sengerema District, Mwanza Region.
He said the rising number of criminal cases against teachers has resulted in heavy financial burdens for the union, with cases continuing to increase.
Mr Muganda said some teachers initially underestimated the seriousness of the issue, but the growing number of court cases has confirmed the magnitude of the problem.
Among the most common cases, he cited incidents involving male teachers accused of impregnating students.
“I sincerely appeal to my fellow male teachers to focus on professionalism. Such cases embarrass us as leaders, and many are still ongoing,” he said.
TTU Mwanza Regional Chairperson, Mr Fanuel Maduhu, said improving teachers’ economic wellbeing is key to helping them avoid many of the challenges they face.
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He emphasised the need for accountability in the education sector alongside economic empowerment initiatives for teachers.
Sengerema District Commissioner, Mr Senyi Nganga, urged teachers to strengthen moral values and improve their economic status to avoid exploitative loans.
“How can someone accept a loan with 40 or 50 per cent interest? We must learn to stand on our own,” he said.