Dili, February 7, 2025 (Média Democracia) – 2023 Contract teachers hold a press conference as a national issue, but for more than a year there has been no solution from the Ministry of Education and the Secretary of State. The press conference was held at the 5 de Maio park.
Agostinho Pinto as the speaker said that as the public knows about this problem, being the attention from the community, veterans, and the church, including intervention from the Head of Government Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão on November 29, 2023, through a surprise visit to the office of the Ministry of Education.
“At that time the Prime Minister gave one month to the Minister of Education and the Secretary of State to resolve the issue of contract teachers, unfortunately this issue has not been resolved until now. In addition, the issue of contract teachers also received attention and reaction from members of the House of Representatives, who finally approved a resolution as a political action, to resolve this issue, but this also has not been resolved, even the national Parliament approved with a humane voice.” He said
He continued, to defend the basic rights of contract teachers and against discrimination and injustice committed by ME against teachers, his party has never lost the spirit to continue fighting until now and will not give up if the solution provided does not provide certainty of truth.
“We have had many dialogues with the Ministry of Education and Culture, but have not found common ground because each of them remains on the existing legal and legal arguments. However, in the end, the dialogue held on January 16, 2025 with the Ministry of Education acknowledged the existence and dedication of teachers who have served the country for years, especially in the world of education in this country. Therefore, the Ministry of Education submitted the option of a “special exam” to contract teachers in 2023 to be decided,” he said.
He continued, after observing and hearing the opinions of honorary teachers, that the problem is not the test for prospective scholarship recipients or special tests, but the legality of the test is as regulated in the Law as the legality of public administration officials for honorary teachers which refers to Article 12 of the Income Tax Law.
“In the Regulation of the Minister of Education and Culture Number 31 of 2023 dated May 31, Article 11 and Article 12 provide special provisions for contract teachers who have civil servant status, to be able to enjoy employee status starting January 1, 2023. However, they must meet three requirements, such as an Employment Contract with the Minister of Education, a Minimum Bachelor’s Diploma and Performance Assessment with a “Good” Classification registered with SIGAP.” He said.
He emphasized that in relation to the three conditions mentioned, honorary teachers have fulfilled all of them, but ME refused to accept the results of the teacher assessment and did not forward it to the Public Commission to register with SIGAP, which ultimately harmed teachers and caused problems until now.
“We think there is no need to open a special exam for teachers, but we ask the Ministry of Education and the State Civil Service Empowerment Commission to complete and then register the results of the performance assessment of honorary teachers to SIGAP, so that honorary teachers can enjoy a special career level in accordance with the mandate of the Law,” he added.
He informed that accepting this special exam as a way to contribute to the solution, but there needs to be a clear dialogue and there must be an agreement between both parties, because usually exams or debates always have a winner or loser. If you lose the exam, the solution is for the Ministry to provide teachers with a High School diploma.
“We have all contributed to this country for a long time, and finally the country recognizes our devotion and sacrifice, so in the leadership of the VIII government, increase the status of our volunteers to public administration officials and the law guarantees our rights.” He added.
He said, ME must be present and find a solution first for teachers who are high school educated, so that all of them can take the special exam so that there is no dissatisfaction among teachers, because the state’s duty is to respect and recognize the rights of citizens.
He further explained the legality of important points that contract teachers must pay attention to in coordinating with ME. However, ME continues to ignore and does not consider it a good idea from contract teachers, how to contribute to finding a fair solution for teachers. Therefore, asking ME to decide again and open a continuous dialogue to have an open discussion for a solution before passing the special exam in the short term.
Reported by : Nelfiano
Picture by : Nelfiano