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)