OFFICERS working at the Temotu Provincial Education Authority in Lata are accused of indulging in corrupt practices.
A parent who asked not to be named claimed some of the officers are known to have handpicked their spouses to teach at primary schools, although they are not qualified.
A recent case saw a spouse of one of the senior officers recruiting his grade six school leaver wife to be a teacher and paid a salary of a level-5 teacher.
The parent, who is also a teacher, claimed the wife forged the teaching certificate of her son to attach with her application.
“The wife also studied at USP Lata centre. Most times, it was her course mates who did her assignments. She never sits for her exams,” the parent said.
In June last year, the wife was amongst teachers who attended training course run conducted by the Solomon Islands National University (SINU).
“But the funny thing is she does not have a certificate in teaching but yet posted to teach early childhood education.
“I urged the Temotu Education Authority to investigate this case.
“It is this kind of corruption that contributed to the low level of education in our country.
“It is common amongst Temotu Education authority that certain officers there have handpicked non-qualified teachers to teach at primary school level.
“Quality education can only be achieved if we have qualified teachers in our schools,” the parent said.
A spokesman for the authority, who asked not to be named, confirmed this particular case and added there were also other cases of similar nature.
“We are closely working with the Teaching Service at the head office in Honiara on this case” he said
He confirmed two female teachers who forged certificates are currently teaching at Malo primary school and the education authority is planning to cease their salaries and kicked them out of the teaching service.
By ELLIOT DAWEA
