Workshop for Tamil women teachers concluded in Trincomalee

[TamilNet, Friday, 09 September 2005, 17:12 GMT]
Two day workshop for the Tamil women teachers in the Trincomalee district, on the role of women teachers in the trade unionism, concluded on Thursday. The workshop was organized by the Sri Lanka Women Teachers Network (SLWTN) in collaboration with the Ceylon Tamil Teachers Union (CTTU) supported by the Education International (EI) and the Union of Education-Norway (UEN).

The workshop was held in Trincomalee Methodist Girls' College auditorium.

Mr.R.Thiakalingam, Provincial Secretary of Education for the North East inaugurated the workshop on Wednesday. Mr.N.Rajanathan, President of the CTTU and Mr.S. Wijendran, Assistant Director of Education participated as guests of honour.

Ms. U.Jothinathan, Principal of Trincomalee Methodist Girls College presided. She outlined the objectives of the workshop and the goals of SLWTN.

The chief guest Mr.Thiakalingam said in his keynote address that about sixty percent of the teachers serving the North East Provincial Council are women. Women teachers are playing a key role in moulding a new generation through education.

Mr.Thiakalingam further said there is no equity of education in Sri Lanka. Standard of education differs at provincial level. The standard of education of urban schools is high compared to rural schools, which are functioning with inadequate staff and lack of resources.

However, the standard of education cannot be raised through the construction of new several storied buildings, laboratories and other facilities. The dedication of teachers is very vital for the development of education, he stressed.



Ms J.Mahendra, Principal of Colpetty Methodist Girls School made the welcome address. She said time would come one day when women teachers holding key posts of the CTTU and other trade unions.

Mr.N.Rajanathan, CTTU President that his union has given twenty five percent of posts in the administration to women teachers.

Mr.T.Mahasivam, CTTU general secretary said in the CTTU eighty percent of the members are women.

Mr.S. Wijendran also spoke at the inaugural event. Two-day workshop concluded with awarding certificates to participants.