Exploring the perceptions of secondary school teachers in the Teachers Union of Malawi's undertakings in promoting their welfare: the case of Northern Education Division

Abstract

This study aimed at exploring the perceptions of secondary school teachers about the undertakings of the Teachers Union of Malawi in enhancing teacher welfare in the Northern Education Division. The main objective was to explore the perceptions of teacher members about Teachers Union of Malawi practices in enhancing the welfare of teachers. The study was guided by Social capital theory. It was a qualitative study that utilised an interpretive case design and data was collected through interviews and document analysis. The sample, selected by purposeful, convenience and snowball sampling, consisted of 20 teachers who were members of TUM and 3 administrators of TUM in Mzimba district. The data was coded, categorized, and analysed using a both deductive and inductive thematic approach, and presented through description. The study found out that teachers felt that the Teachers Union of Malawi was partly effective in its effort at improving the welfare of teachers. The study also found out that the union is not doing enough in improving teachers’ welfare because of several factors like, lack of the union administrators’ grassroots visits, political interference in the union, lack of teachers’ involvement in the union and also improper channels of communication between teacher members and the union administrators. Based on the above findings, the following recommendations were made: TUM should provide regular trainings and awareness among trade union members and Teachers Union of Malawi should expand from its focus on traditional roles that centre much on negotiation of salaries to include the establishment of sustainable schemes that have significant impact on the side of members. The study also recommended that TUM has to ensure that there is always an organic link between the union and its members at the grassroots level to facilitate proper communication and ensure teacher members involvement in TUM.