Africa-Press – Cape verde. The president of the Santiago Teachers’ Union (Siprofis) called this Wednesday for the “urgent implementation” of the new Career, Functions and Remuneration Plan (PCFR) for the teaching profession, highlighting the need for a “real and effective” valorization of the profession.
Abraão Borges’ statement was made at a press conference, as part of the celebrations of Cape Verdean Teachers’ Day, celebrated today under the motto: “Through education, teachers transform lives – valorize the teaching profession now!”.
Abraão Borges highlighted that the date should be more than a symbolic tribute, but rather a moment of reflection on the central role of teachers in building a “fairer, more developed and inclusive” Cape Verde.
In view of the challenges brought about by new technologies and artificial intelligence, the union leader stated that “no technology will replace the teacher”, and therefore defended the need to guarantee ongoing training, access to modern resources and decent working conditions for education professionals.
Referring to the Government’s announcement about the PCFR coming into force in the coming months, Borges warned of the urgent need to ensure that “no pre-school teacher or monitor” continues to face precarious situations, “whether at the beginning, in the middle or at the end of their career”.
He drew particular attention to the situation of pre-school monitors, who, he stated, “have worked with dedication for decades”, but with salaries that “do not reflect the importance and demands” of their roles.
The president of Siprofis also defended concrete measures for more inclusive education, proposing the placement of psychologists in all school groups, the presence of assistant teachers and the provision of teaching materials adapted to special educational needs.
He also stressed the importance of investing in safe school infrastructure, connectivity and training for preschool teachers, as well as reviewing the salaries of retired teachers, who continue to be penalized by salary increases and the increase in the cost of living.
“During the pandemic, teachers reinvented themselves and continued to train generations with courage. It is time to recognize this dedication with concrete actions”, he stressed.
Abraão Borges also left a message of “unity, hope and commitment” to the fight for the dignity of the teaching career, quoting Pope Francis: “There is no good society without a good union”, he concluded.
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