Metinaro, 27 April 2026 (Media Democracia) – 41 F-FDTL Members Complete Level 5 and 6 English Language Courses at the English Language Training Facility (ELTF) in Metinaro
41 members of the F-FDTL completed the Level 5 and 6 English language program at the English Language Training Facility (ELTF) in Metinaro.
Representing the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, Colonel Guido de Oliveira said there are currently 97 students attending English courses in Metinaro. From that number, 41 students graduated this term.
“These graduating students consist of 11 people at Level 5 and 14 people from Level 6, including 12 students at Level 5 from the Naval Component. The numbers described above are not just statistics, but represent effort, discipline, courage, and goodwill to improve and build capacity.” said the Armed Forces Chief of Staff’s representative, Colonel Guido de Oliveira, in his speech in Metinaro this Thursday (23/04).
Colonel Guido affirmed that the training process and progress for English in this term went very well through strong cooperation and various collective efforts between DCP-Australia and FALINTIL-FDTL.
“It can be said that DCP-Australia is an important partner that has contributed greatly to strengthening the English language training program and opening many opportunities for FALINTIL-FDTL members.” he added.
The Chief of Staff Representative affirmed that in the future, an advanced English course at Level 7 will be held in upcoming terms.
“With the objective of increasing the capacity of students or military members to better respond to training and courses at international levels abroad. In addition, in the next term, a teacher training program will also be established.” said Colonel Guido.
Oliveira said this program aims to produce new teachers so they can respond to the shortage of instructors. This teacher training activity is an important step to build internal capacity to guarantee the sustainability of the training program.
On behalf of the Chief of General Staff of FALINTIL-FDTL, he expressed gratitude for the support offered by the Australian Defence Force through DCP-Australia for the English language training program and activities.
“Particularly many thanks to Commanding Officer Major Andrew Flannagan, because with his hard work and dedication, he has supported the course and training here. Many thanks also to the teachers from the LELI institute, with their support on how to design the curriculum and direct contributions in teaching, including guiding students during this program.” he said.
On this occasion, Australian Assistant Defence Attaché, Lieutenant Colonel Philip Butt said Timor-Leste recently joined ASEAN, and because English is the official language for ASEAN, the partnership between F-FDTL and DCP is key.
“The English Language Program is an important foundation for Timor-Leste’s participation in ASEAN initiatives. One important pillar in ASEAN is that members must develop cooperation in education and lifelong learning to strengthen the ASEAN community. We can see this every day in the five campuses that are part of the English Language Program.” said Lieutenant Colonel Philip.
It’s great to see Timorese and Australian military personnel working together, sharing their passion to develop English. This partnership has been running for over twenty years.
He said that this year, Timorese soldiers will travel for international courses, using their English skills at United Nations conferences, engineering courses, maritime courses, the Defence International Training Centre, and promotion courses in Australia.
“Right now, there are six Timorese soldiers studying at the Royal Military College Duntroon, the largest number ever. All of them are graduates of the English Language Program.” he added.
Therefore, it’s great to see the preparation class for Royal Military College Duntroon starting this term. Congratulations to teacher Maria, who graduated from RMC-D in 2025, and to all the students who worked hard.
Also, at the end of 2025, the United States asked DCP-TL to take responsibility for English training for Air Component personnel at Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport. That training started in January this year, and I’m happy to report that ten people will finish the Level 1 course tomorrow.
The English Language Program in Metinaro has set up a Maintenance Clinic to help personnel continue developing their English.
“This clinic is open to everyone, and they can come at any time. I’m also happy to report that a Maintenance Clinic for the Land Component will start in Baucau in Term Two,” he informed.
Therefore, Australia continues to commit to supporting F-FDTL and the Ministry of Defence to seek opportunities to learn English in Timor and abroad. Currently, DCP supports nearly 100 people to study English part-time at LELI.
Report By: Estefánia Cardoso
Photo By: Estefánia Cardoso