DILI, 07 january 2026 (TATOLI) – The Ministry of Education (ME) plans to deploy more recently recruited teachers to schools across the country to address the ongoing teacher shortage, according to the National Director of Human Resources, João Amaral.
Speaking on wednesday in Vila Verde, Dili, Amaral said the ministry will first review how many permanent teachers are currently working, identify the needs of each school, and then send additional teachers where they are needed.
Responding to questions about the shortage of Portuguese, Tetum, and Physical Education teachers at the Fitun Naroman Timor Lorosa’e General Secondary School (FINANTIL) in Aimutin, Amaral explained that the Education Ministry will work closely with municipal education authorities to ensure teachers are properly deployed.
He recalled that on december 29, a total of 558 teachers were sworn in as permanent staff for General Secondary and Technical-Vocational Schools after meeting the requirements set by the Education Ministry and the Civil Service Commission. Of these, 491 were assigned to General Secondary Schools and 97 to Technical-Vocational Secondary Schools.
Since the beginning of the IX Constitutional Government’s term, more than 3,100 teachers have entered the teaching profession nationwide, including teachers in pre-school, basic, and secondary education.
The teacher shortage has particularly affected key subjects such as Portuguese, Tetum, and Physical Education at FINANTIL, highlighting the urgent need for timely teacher deployment.
Journalist: Ivonia da Silva
Editor: Isaura Lemos de Deus
Translation: Filomeno Martins
