The ‘One Teacher, One Laptop’ (1T1L) is a technological initiative by the ‘Three Teacher Unions’ (GNAT, NAGRAT and CCT) to procure TM1 Laptops for all teachers in the pre-tertiary education sector to enhance teaching and learning activities.
The initiative has been embraced with mixed reactions from teachers. Most teachers say the Laptops are good enough for them since it contains EDUKAT (A built-in educational content on the new standard based curriculum.) On the other hand, other teachers are against the initiative solely because they brand is a substandard laptop.
Disparity in Price of TM1 Laptop
The price of the Teachers Mate 1 (TM1) has seen a rise and fall ever since the project was launched on 3rd September, 2021.
Coalition of Concerned Teachers (CCT) communicated through their platforms that the TM1 Laptop was priced at Ghc1,550.00. Hence, the 30% to be paid by teachers will amount to Ghc465.00. They also added that, the Ghc465.00 will be deducted from the Professional Development Allowance to be paid in 2021 and not from teachers’ salary.
Also Read: Detailed Analysis of the TM1 Laptop Specifications
However, a press release by NAGRAT President, Mr. Angel Carbonu on 6th September, 2021, communicated a different price. The letter stated that the total amount of the TM1 Laptop is Ghc1,831.47. Thus, teachers were to pay Ghc549.44 which is the 30 percent (30%) quota of the amount.
Also, the Deputy Minister for Education, Rev. Ntim Fordjour also confirmed the price of the laptop as Ghc1,550. He made this revelation at on an interview with Umaru Sanda on Citi TV on 7th September, 2021. This price seems to be in line with the price quoted by Coalition of Concerned Teachers (CCT).
However, GES have also officially released a statement on 9th September, 2021 affirming the price given by NAGRAT President. GES also reiterated that the amount will be deducted from the Continous Professional Development Allowance (CPD) and it will be a one time deduction.
The big question now is; Is there confusion and disagreement between the stakeholders about the price of the Laptop?
The whole uncertainties I believe will be cleared in relations to the real amount of the TM1 Laptop when it is finally deducted from the CPD Allowance to be given to teachers in 2021.
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