In Cape Verde, a powerful movement is underway, led by dedicated education unions. Their mission? To champion the cause of inclusive, high-quality public education and elevate the status of the teaching profession. It's time to shine a light on the importance of education and the people who make it happen.
With the support of Education International (EI), these unions, under the leadership of Abraão Borges, President of SIPROFIS, the largest teachers' union in Cape Verde, are taking action. They've launched the "Go Public! Fund Education" campaign, a bold initiative to improve the lives and working conditions of educators across the country.
But here's where it gets controversial: the campaign isn't just about funding. It's about recognizing the value of public education and ensuring that teachers and preschool educators receive the respect and compensation they deserve. Through training sessions on various islands, including Boa Vista, Maio, and Santiago, the unions are spreading awareness and advocating for change.
One of the key achievements of the campaign so far is the approval of a new Teachers' Statute, which includes a significant salary increase of around 16%. This is a historic moment, bringing stability and dignity to the teaching profession. The unions have also successfully negotiated promotions and level advancements for teachers, paid eight months of salary arrears, and improved the salary structure for educators nationwide.
And this is the part most people miss: the campaign extends its reach to preschool educators as well. A new salary scale has been approved, but the unions are not stopping there. They are actively campaigning to ensure that these improvements are fully implemented, as these professionals are under the supervision of Municipal Councils.
For teachers, the salary adjustments are notable: those without formal training see an increase from 23,000 CVE to 55,000 CVE, while those with a bachelor's degree go from 78,848 CVE to 91,000 CVE. Additional years of service also bring higher salaries, with 15 years of service earning 106,000 CVE.
Preschool educators are also benefiting, with salary adjustments ranging from 15,000 CVE to 73,000 CVE, depending on their qualifications and experience.
The campaign is gaining momentum and will reach its peak on November 19th, 2025, with a national meeting focused on advocacy and mobilization for public education. Teachers and union representatives from all Cape Verdean islands will gather to reaffirm their commitment to an inclusive public school system that values its educators.
Borges, speaking on behalf of FECAP/SIPROFIS, stated, "We will continue our actions under the campaign for public education and increased education funding throughout the national territory, with the support of EI, the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries, and other national and international partners."
This movement is a testament to the power of collective action and the importance of advocating for education. It raises important questions: How can we ensure that teachers are valued and compensated fairly? What impact does this have on the quality of education our children receive? Join the conversation and share your thoughts in the comments!
