Challenges of the new retirement age for teachers in selected government primary schools of Sioma district, Western Zambia.
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Date
2021-10
Authors
Daka, Harrison
Mutafela, Songiso
Kalimaposo, Kalisto
Mbewe, Simeon
Mubita, Kaiko
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS)
Abstract
The focus of this study was to investigate challenges of
the New Retirement Age for teachers in selected government
primary schools of Sioma District of Western Zambia. The study
evoked qualitative approach using descriptive research design. A
sample of 32 participants comprising twenty-four class teachers
and eight school managers was purposefully and conveniently
drawn from four government primary schools in Sioma District.
Data were collected through questionnaires as well as interview
guides. Analysis of data was done thematically where merging
and emerging themes were presented in a descriptive form as
findings of the study.
The study found that majority of teachers interviewed in Sioma
District were not in favour of the New Retirement Age. Most of
the participants expressed willingness to retire at the age of fiftyfive so that they could get their benefits and start a new life while
they were still energetic. In addition, the study found that there
was a lot of stigma against older teachers which had affected
work relationships in most schools as younger teachers accused
the older ones of being fatigued and unwilling to accept change
or innovation, especially technological changes in education. The
younger teachers also complained about less promotions
opportunities in the Ministry as the older teachers were still
holding on to most senior positions. It was further reported by
majority of participants talked to that accommodation in rural
schools had become a great challenge for teachers because some
of the houses were still occupied by older teachers who could
have retired two or three years ago
Therefore, the study recommended that the Zambian
government should revise the current retirement age to provide
for two options only; 55 years normal and 60 years late
retirement and that the Ministry of General Education should
introduce performance based salaries.
Key Word: Teachers, Retirement Age, Primary Schools,
Government
Description
Article
Keywords
Retirement age. , Retirement-age policy. , Retirement--Government policy--Zambia. , Retirement age--Education sector.