Paraguayan President Acknowledges Teacher Shortage Amidst Infrastructure Claims

President Santiago Peña of Paraguay has admitted that a shortage of teaching positions is a significant challenge facing the nation's education system. He asserted that the government is actively working to increase coverage and improve the quality of public education.

Peña made these remarks during a visit to Colegio Nacional Paso Yobái in Guairá, where infrastructure improvement projects are underway. He noted that increased enrollment in public schools, driven by investments in facilities, school meals, and educational materials, presents an additional challenge for the state. The president aims for public education to match or surpass private institutions but acknowledged this requires more teachers and adequate funding.

Despite the president's assurances, the reality for hundreds of educational institutions, especially in rural areas, remains difficult. Many vacancies are filled by interim teachers, a temporary measure that often persists for years without permanent appointments. More concerning, numerous teachers are reportedly working without any salary while awaiting the Ministry of Education and Sciences (MEC) to open official application processes.

This situation has led to repeated protests and demands from educators across various departments. Communities have also denounced the lack of permanent teachers and the ministry's delays in filling vacancies, which disrupt the regular school calendar. The president's statements did not include specific timelines or concrete measures to address this long-standing problem.