Eurovision Singer Ryan Hili Shares What Teachers Like Him ‘Go Through On A Daily Basis’
Eurovision singer and teacher Ryan Hili has said yesterday’s strike was necessary as he opened up on the disrespect and threats that teachers and him face from students and their parents.
“Seeing the comments with regards the strike amazes me,” Hili said on an Instagram story.
“What I am about to say is what we teachers go through on a daily basis. Imagine going to work, feeling threatened and nothing happens.”
“Imagine having a lot of students shouting at your face and no one can do anything, just because. Imagine being mistreated by parents because their child is always right and we are only choosing to ‘pick on them’.”
“Is it fair that nowadays students are given more power than us teachers? Where is the respect? They say “now I’ll speak to who I need to speak to”. That’s what we get. Can I speak to who I need to speak to? No.”
“Why does chaos always have to erupt whenever we teachers speak? Treat us well, and we we are not here to babysit your child. We want to teach, we love to teach. Trust me, we didn’t study for four-six years for nothing.”
Yesterday’s teacher’s strike was an overwhelming success, with an estimated 97% of teachers participating in the drastic action ordered by the Malta Union of Teachers to pressure the government to significantly increase their salaries.
All industrial directives will be postponed as of Wednesday pending fresh discussions with the government.
Education Minister Clifton Grima said the main lesson behind yesterday’s strike should be how many people care about the future of the education system.
“In recent weeks, I didn’t mind shouldering responsibility and stating that we must prioritise mutual respect and, above all, respect towards our educators,” Grima said.
“I have always stressed that educators deserve more respect from the people of Malta, as well as better salaries and work conditions. I have always been guided by these principles and I will keep working to ensure that they are the principles that guide everyone around the negotiating table.”
“I know I won’t be alone in saying that I won’t tolerate people trying to turn this issue into a political football. Let’s look forward to ensure that common sense and goodwill prevail, because I know that the goal of all stakeholders is solely to improve education for the common good.”
What do you make of Ryan Hili’s comments?
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