The recent teacher recruitment by government has seen an improvement in teacher staffing levels in Chipangali district of Eastern Province with the total currently standing at 1,106 teachers.

The recent addition was 37 teachers that were deployed from the last recruitment exercise.

This entails that there is now an improved staffing in most rural schools in the district unlike previously where most of the rural schools were highly understaffed.

ZANIS reports that this came to light during the District Development Coordinating Committee (DDCC) meeting.

DDCC Human and Social Development sub-committee Chairperson Christopher Chisanga who is also the planner at the Chipangali District Education Board Office said the 37 teachers were successfully put on payroll and are presently serving in their respective stations across the district.

He noted that as of the second quarter, the total number of teachers, including the 37 newly recruited, now stands at 1,106.

Meanwhile Mr Chisanga noted that the enrolment rates remain high compared to the available school infrastructure. He highlighted the need to upgrade schools that are made out of mud and poles to modern standard structures, as well as more classroom space in order to enhance education delivery in the district.

He said there are ongoing construction works in the district and that monitoring of the ongoing projects have been enhanced.

Mr Chisanga added that the department is still awaiting communication for schools that have been considered for rehabilitation under the CDF disaster component.

He noted that a number of schools such as Kalanda Thundu, Katiombola, Mwazyangulu and Kanyindula among others fell prey to disasters that resulted in blown off roofs for some of the schools.