“Teachers transform lives.” In a great celebration of National Teachers' Day, Cape Verdean educators called for improved working conditions, fair pay, and the implementation of the new Career, Functions, and Remuneration Plan (PCFR). The event highlighted the essential role of teachers in building a fairer, more developed, and inclusive society.
On April 23rd, 2025, Cape Verde celebrated National Teachers' Day under the theme "Through Education, Teachers Transform Lives – Value the Teaching Profession Now!" The festivities began on April 19th and involved teachers from different areas of the country.
Prime Minister's commitment to salary increases
In his keynote lecture as part of the celebration of Cape Verdean Teacher’s Day, the country’s Prime Minister, José Ulisses de Pina Correia e Silva, assured that the adopted new PCFR will bring significant benefits for all teachers, from preschool to higher education.
He said that funding for salary increases and career progression – ranging from 16% to 120% – are secured in the state budget. He also reported that the transition list is being prepared, with a guarantee of retroactive salary payments dating back to January 2025.
Unqualified teachers who earned 23,000 Cape Verdean Escudos (CVE) – around 208 Euros (€) will see their salaries increase to 55,000 CVE – around 500 €. Those with a university degree, previously earning 78,678 CVE – around 713 €, will have their salaries raised to 91,000 CVE – around 825 €.
Preschool monitors without formal training, many of whom were not even earning the minimum wage of 19,000 CVE - around172 €, will now receive a salary of 37,000 CVE – around 335 €. Those with pedagogical training will receive 73,000 CVE – around 662 €.
Beyond a simple tribute
In his celebration message, Abraão Borges, the president of SIPROFIS, the largest teachers' union within the Federaçao Caboverdiana dos Professores (Cape Verdean Federation of Teachers-FECAP) affiliated to Education International (EI), and member of EI Africa regional committee, emphasized the importance of teachers in society. "On this April 23, 2025, we proudly celebrate Cape Verdean Teacher’s Day — a date that goes far beyond a simple tribute. It is a moment for reflection and reaffirmation of the essential role teachers play in building a fairer, more developed, and more inclusive Cape Verde," Borges stated.
Challenges and hopes
Borges highlighted the challenges posed by artificial intelligence and new technologies, reaffirming that no technology will ever replace the teacher. He called for real working conditions, ongoing training, access to modern resources, and a safe and dignified school environment. With this year’s theme for Teachers’ Day, he said, SIPROFIS brings “a message of hope, commitment, and continued struggle for a teaching career that is valued at all levels.”
Call to action
The union leader reiterated the urgent need to ensure that no teacher faces precarious conditions, especially preschool educators who have worked with dedication for decades yet with salaries that do not reflect the importance of their roles. "We hope that, with the PCFR, fair and dignified recognition will finally be achieved for this group and for all educators," Borges added.
During the COVID-19 pandemic and through successive social and economic crises, teachers never abandoned their posts, he reminded: “They stepped up, reinvented themselves, adapted, and continued to educate future generations with courage and determination. It is time to honor this dedication with concrete actions.”
That is why on April 23rd, Borges called on the Government and the Ministry of Education to ensure, among other things, universal and inclusive access to education, provide pedagogical materials tailored to special educational needs, train teachers to work with students with disabilities, and invest in safe infrastructure and modern technological resources.
A required united front
He went on addressing civil society, international partners, and the Government, affirming that education is a vital public good and a national priority. "We are open to dialogue — open, constructive, and responsible — free from radicalism, personal interests, or political emotion. What drives us is the common good and the future of education in Cape Verde," he said.
There is no good society without a good union
The SIPROFIS/FECAP leader extended its deepest respect, gratitude, and heartfelt recognition to all teachers across the archipelago: "Let us stand strong, heads held high, aware of the value of our mission and the strength we possess to keep transforming lives through knowledge.”
“There is no good society without a good union," Borges concluded.
Go Public! Fund Education
On the International Day of Education 2025, January 24th, in connection with the EI Go Public! Fund Education campaign, Borges had welcomed the new teachers’ status, asked for its implementation and underscored the urgency of fully respecting teachers' rights, with a particular focus on salary improvements, hoping this demand will be met by the end of the first quarter of 2025.