The shortage of teachers is described as the “most visible problem in Portuguese education” by Mário Nogueira, who emphasized accountability for those who failed to act promptly despite numerous warnings from the National Federation of Teachers (Fenprof). They were once accused of fabricating issues to create unrest.
“Despite the warnings, the government exacerbated work schedules and altered curricula solely to decrease the number of teachers,” remarked Nogueira at the opening ceremony of the 15th Fenprof Congress, which commenced today and will conclude on Saturday, the eve of legislative elections, another topic not overlooked.
“As we approach election day, let us not be misled by speeches advocating the liberalization of Education under the guise of choice, reducing the State to a mere regulator. The so-called freedom of choice, a tenet of neoliberalism, is an attempt to make elite educational choices accessible to some families and selective schools at the expense of degrading public education,” he stated.
Nogueira highlighted teacher shortages and underfunding in the sector, citing financial data: from 2007 to 2024, education funding increased by 16.9%, while inflation reached 32.65%.
In his final address as secretary-general, yet promising continued involvement with the 50,000-member strong federation, Nogueira described Fenprof as a “recognized and respected organization,” with its share of “supporters and detractors.”
On the eve of elections, Nogueira condemned the rhetoric of hatred towards immigrants “fleeing war, terrorism, and persecution, who seek better lives.”
The morning observed a tribute to Palestinians, featuring the Palestinian Ambassador, who expressed gratitude to teachers for their attention to events in Gaza.
During the congress in Lisbon, hundreds of teachers from across the country, along with international counterparts, called for the liberation of Gaza, chanting “Palestine Will Win.”
Manuela Mendonça, President of Fenprof’s National Council, cited Amnesty International’s recent statement highlighting the “hell of death and destruction” in Gaza due to Israeli actions, asserting that “Gaza is the most dangerous place in the world for children.”
Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa conveyed a video message acknowledging the 15th Fenprof Congress, highlighting its role in victories like recovering service time frozen during the Troika.
The President emphasized teaching as “more than a profession, a vocation, a mission,” applauding Mário Nogueira’s dedication to defending teachers’ rights.
David Edwards, General Secretary of Education International, also commended Nogueira’s efforts: “On behalf of global colleagues, thank you for inspiring us,” he noted, appreciating Nogueira’s “strategic vision” and commitment to “social justice and human rights.”
The 15th Fenprof Congress, featuring the election of two new secretary-generals, Francisco Gonçalves and José Feliciano Costa, opened with a concert by the Orchestra of Luís António Verney School students in Lisbon.
The performance concluded with a standing ovation, marked by the declaration “Culture is a right, without it, nothing is achievable.”
“It is this that should make our country proud: a public school,” emphasized Mário Nogueira.
