I am writing on behalf of myself and colleagues in the Schools’ Welfare Service. It would seem as though schools’ welfare officers are not recognized in this country for the job we do. There are so many children out there who need our help and services but we are hindered because of transportation. In fact upon our appointment we were told that we would be granted concessions for duty-free vehicles and to date we are still waiting for this to materialize.
As schools’ welfare officers we serve as liaison officers between the Chief Schools’ Welfare Officers and the Regional Education Officers by travelling extensively within the regions to schools, homes, hideouts, and hospitals to monitor, supervise, evaluate, accept referrals and network with relevant agencies to ascertain and maintain a high level of welfare intervention.
We cannot carry out any of these roles effectively and are also unable to successfully fulfil our mandates.
Furthermore, when we were appointed we were told to write letters seeking duty-free concessions to purchase vehicles. The letters were written and to date there has been no response.
This job is very challenging and dangerous, especially when we have to visit homes, hideouts and places of employment. We cannot use public transportation in the event that we encounter danger; it is a poor option since a great deal of personal control is taken away. On the other hand, the Department of Education and the Regional Democratic Council’s vehicles are not always available to us to deal with urgent matters. In many cases we are ridiculed for not carrying out our duties but in many instances we do not have transportation to reach certain areas.
Editor, if a position which warrants a duty-free concession was created, why is it that the officers have to write letters to have that position placed on the duty-free list?
It has been approximately three years since the first set of schools’ welfare officers were appointed, and to date they are still waiting for the position to be placed on the duty-free list.
How can we perform our duties effectively and efficiently when we have to walk long distances in sun, rain and in some instances dangerous communities?
In conclusion, we are therefore asking if President Bharrat Jagdeo and relevant authorities can look into this matter as soon as possible because it is unfair to us. In many positions in this country duty-free concessions are granted and those officers are not field workers. We were told that 80% of our work has to be in the field.
Yours faithfully,
(Name and address provided)
