DILI, 23 August 2023 (TATOLI) – As many as 60 teachers who were previously appointed by the executive as heads of staff, central or regional directors, or general directors of various agencies within the former Ministry of Education, have yet to return to their primary schools of origin to start teaching activities nearly two months after the new government took office, The 60 teachers fully carried out the functions assigned by the supervisory agency during the VIII Government.
Director General of Administration and Financial Management Antoninho Pires explained that the political appointment was legally intended and aimed, in terms of teaching class appointments, to support and strengthen the Ministry of Education’s services.
He added that several teachers suspended their duties at the request of the previous Government to take up positions ranging from head of the cabinet to director of municipal education services.
However, Antoninho guaranteed, “the position is temporary because after the term ends, the teacher must return to a teaching career”.
Despite guarantees of returning to school, the reality is that teachers have not been reinstated in their schools.
Antonio Pires said that the employment situation of these 60 teachers is being studied, and added that they will leave the functions assigned to them as soon as the ministry completes the teaching mapping.
One of the teachers, Aniceto da Costa, who was appointed as Superintendent of Schools at the Dili Education Office in 2022, stated that his appointment was not based on political bias, but “on trust and merit”: “If the new Government intends to make a decision and nominate someone else to replace me, I will continue my career as a teacher at Escola Secundária 12 de Novembro de Becora”.
Journalist: Afonso do Rosário
Editor: Isaura Lemos de Deus
Translation: Camilio de Sousa
