National Parliament members have criticized the recruitment of volunteer teachers to permanent positions, a process they say is unfair and nepotistic. 
Member of Parliament (MP) Antonio dos Santos said he was concerned as some former volunteer teachers offered permanent positions had been working as market vendors immediately prior to their permanent recruitment.
“Some (teachers) have just been selling goods or clothes in the market, but when the time comes to sign contracts, suddenly he or she has already appeared there. It means there’s too much corruption,” MP dos Santos, alias “55”, said at the National Parliament.
The Fretilin MP said he often received complaints and phone calls from community members about the problem.
MP Aurora Ximenes said the male teachers often received permanent contracts at the expense of their more qualified female counterparts.
“Women are not promoted to permanent positions though they have been teaching for seven or eight years,” MP Ximenes said.
Education Minister Bendito Freitas said the 2014 State General Budget allocated $9,520 to the Ministry of Education to resolve the issue.
“We can respond to the 420 volunteer teachers who have concluded contracts for a definitive career,” Minister Freitas said.
