On October 5, 2026, Sao Tome and Principe marked World Teachers' Day with the official launch of the Social Solidarity Fund for teachers. This fund aims to provide financial and material support to educators, focusing on well-being, training, and innovation. The fund's structure is designed to be sustainable, with contributions from teachers themselves and from partner organizations.
Clementino Boa Morte, President of the Fund's Executive Committee, emphasized the importance of teachers integrating their ideas into an entrepreneurial context to generate more income. He explained that the fund will have both direct and indirect revenue streams, including project execution fees from international organizations. This initiative is expected to improve the socio-economic conditions of teachers in the country.
On the same day, the Intersindical dos Professores e Educadores, a teachers' union, reiterated its demand for a review of the Teacher Career Statute. Vera Lombá, President of the union, expressed concern that many teachers with 30 years of service will retire at almost the same level as when they started. The union hopes that the new government will address this long-standing issue.
The teachers' union considers the review of the career statute to be a pressing problem that needs to be solved. The current statute has been in place for a long time, and the union believes that it no longer reflects the needs and expectations of teachers. A revised statute would provide a more equitable and sustainable career path for educators.
The launch of the Solidarity Fund and the demand for a career review reflect the challenges faced by teachers in Sao Tome and Principe. With approximately 32,000 students returning to schools at the start of the 2026/2027 academic year, the role of teachers is crucial in providing quality education. The government and other stakeholders are expected to take these demands into consideration.
The 2026/2027 academic year has started with an updated curriculum and a strengthened technical-professional education program. However, the success of these initiatives depends on the well-being and motivation of teachers. The solidarity fund and the review of the career statute are seen as essential steps towards improving the education sector in Sao Tome and Principe.
The new government, once formed, will be expected to prioritize the education sector and address the concerns of teachers. The Intersindical dos Professores e Educadores and other stakeholders will likely continue to advocate for the rights and interests of teachers. The solidarity fund will provide a safety net for educators, while the review of the career statute aims to create a more sustainable and equitable career path.
Key points
- The Social Solidarity Fund for teachers in Sao Tome and Principe aims to provide financial and material support to educators.
- The teachers' union is demanding a review of the Teacher Career Statute to address concerns about teacher salaries and career progression.
- The 2026/2027 academic year has started with an updated curriculum and a strengthened technical-professional education program in Sao Tome and Principe.
