The Ministry of Education (ME) has deployed an additional 206 teachers to pre-school and basic education schools across Timor-Leste still facing teacher shortages.
Acting Minister of Education, Domingos Lopes Lemos, said that according to the ministry’s staffing framework, many pre-schools and basic education schools are still struggling with a lack of teachers to provide lessons to students.
He highlighted that although some teachers had been deployed in an earlier phase, schools are still reporting shortages of teachers, with some teachers having to cover two or three subjects or manage two classes at once.
“Based on these recommendations, [the ministry] has proceeded with the deployment of 206 additional teachers to pre-schools and basic education schools across the country, according to the staffing framework available,” he said.
He added that the deployment of these teachers was based on recommendations by the schools themselves.
“The deployment of 206 teachers does not completely resolve the teacher shortage in schools, but the ministry will continue its efforts to address the issue in phases,” Acting Minister Lemos said at the INFORDEPE building in Balide, Dili.
He explained that this deployment reflects the ministry’s commitment to the quality and future of education in Timor-Leste and aims to ensure that teachers can contribute to national development.
“This deployment is an important step in strengthening the education system and represents a new chapter in the lives and professional progress of teachers in pre-school and basic education in Timor-Leste,” he emphasised.
Meanwhile, the President of the Public Function Commission (CFP), Agustinho Letêncio de Deus, said that being a teacher is not just an opportunity; it is a vocation that requires dedication and commitment to shaping the next generation of Timorese.
“Uphold your vocation with dedication so you can become quality teachers who will shape young minds and prepare them to contribute to the nation’s future,” he said.
Meanwhile, deployed Teacher Mariana Sarmento said she is ready to face any situation and will continue to dedicate herself and serve Timor-Leste through education.
“I’ve been posted in Atelari Laga, in Baucau Municipality. I promise to use all the skills I have to transform students’ mindsets,” she said.
She also called on her fellow teachers to stay committed to the responsibility they hold in advancing the education sector in Timor-Leste.
