UN says guardians to pay teachers’ salaries at Sudan refugee camp

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees announced parents and guardians of students at a Sudanese refugee camp in Chad should start contributing to paying teachers’ salaries “due to a lack of budget”. Sheikhs and the education administration of Gaga camp were notified the decision enters into force in April. It includes teachers of the camp’s kindergarten and the primary and secondary levels. Adults who follow an education are also expected to contribute.The UNHCR said that as of April it would pay teachers 7200 Chadian Riyals instead of 7600 (14 and 15 USD respectively). The remaining 400 riyals must come from contributions, Mohamed Makki Abdullah, the educational supervisor for the basic school at the Gaga camp, disclosed.Abdullah told Radio Dabanga on Tuesday the camp comprises 100 teachers in the primary level, 38 in kindergartens and 18 in the secondary and adult education levels.Refugees’ financial situation does not allow them to contribute with the amount required by the UNHCR, according to the educational supervisor, “given Gaga’s population has no income”.He appealed to the UN agency to reconsider the decision, especially as it is related to education.Radio Dabanga file photo