The critical shortage of teachers in primary schools was highlighted by members of parliament while discussing the Social Sector Committee Report for the Ministry of Education and Culture (MEC).

Out of 13 MPs who were able to express their views on this report, most of them raised concerns about the shortage of teachers. Most blamed seasonal work as the reason why trained teachers had left the profession.

Some highlighted the need to increase the salary for teachers to put a stop to the loss of teachers to seasonal work.

Member of parliament for Salega No.1 Fepuleai Faimata Su'a said he is worried that many teachers were leaving Samoa for the RSE scheme overseas and it's something the government has to look at in ways to avoid it.

"Maybe reconsider salaries for the teachers because I know that's why most teachers left for seasonal work overseas. It is because of financial issues," Fepuleai said.

"We need more teachers and we all know that if there is a shortage of teachers in Samoa, there will be an impact on student's education."

This same view was echoed by Human Rights Protection Party Deputy Leader Lauofo Pierre Lauofo. He said the RSE scheme was established for unskilled workers or labourers in different villages.

"But the report shows that skilled workers have decided to go overseas for this scheme and it's something the minister has to look at for solutions to the problem," he said.

Maulolo Tavita Amosa, MP for Sagaga No.2 said the shortage of teachers was not a new issue. He said many teachers moved because there were not enough opportunities at the management level at the MEC.

"Hire some qualified skilled workers to work as part-time teachers and give them allowances to avoid the problem of teacher shortage," Maulolo said.

This is an issue that the parliamentarians are not taking lightly because of concerns that it will affect education for the children of Samoa.

All these views from the MPs have been recorded by the special sector committee for future improvements in education in the country.

In the last two years, the Samoa Observer has highlighted cases where three teachers are teaching eight different classes. In some cases, teacher salary was a big issue and there was vast disparity in how much teachers earned.