When teachers play truant

When teachers play truant

DILI, East Timor: One hundred and seventeen teachers who
returned late after the last school break have been given a
dressing down, Antara reported yesterday.

A high-ranking official lectured them on the need for strong
discipline. The same disciplinary message was also given to an
earlier group of 207 teachers who played truant last month.

The official, Col. Ashari, said: "Pity the students here (if
teachers) have poor discipline."

The teachers, however, said that one of the reasons why they
were late was because they had to time their departure with the
schedule of the ship, KM Dobonsolo, to transport them from Java.

A teacher suggested that the Ministry of Education and Culture
arrange Armed Forces vessels to transport teachers to remote
areas. (swe)