Dili, May 6, 2025 (Média Democracia) – In the context of the celebration of World Portuguese Language Day in Timor-Leste, Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão called on all Timorese parents to motivate their children to learn Portuguese, as it represents Timor-Leste’s identity.
He stated that during the annual World Portuguese Language Day celebration on May 5, students, teachers, and parents from CAFE School in Dili organized a march from the Portuguese Embassy to the Government Palace.
“I ask all parents to encourage your children to speak Portuguese not English or Indonesian. I know that for the past 24 years, Indonesian has dominated among Timorese citizens, but I urge that we reduce or stop the use of Indonesian, because if not, we will continue to be part of Indonesia. We must motivate our children to learn Portuguese, because it is the language of both Portugal and Timor-Leste, our shared identity,” said Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão at the Government Palace during the celebration.
Minister of Education Dulce de Jesus affirmed that the Ministry of Education is committed to encouraging all students to learn and speak Portuguese, as it is one of the country’s official languages.
“Today, we celebrate Portuguese Language Day as an important commitment from the Ministry of Education to ensure the early development of Portuguese language education in schools, through effective teaching methods so that all citizens of Timor-Leste can speak Portuguese with quality,” said Minister Dulce de Jesus.
The Minister highlighted that the development of Portuguese language learning has been very good, with Portuguese language courses being implemented across all school levels, from basic to secondary education.
“All subjects use Portuguese. The teaching method uses Portuguese for explanations and writing, and all teachers are required to be proficient in the language,” she added.
A parent representative, Imelda Barbosa Nunes, stated that she would continue motivating her children to keep learning Portuguese.
“I’m very proud of the Prime Minister’s message today, and in the future, as parents, we will continue dedicating our time to encouraging our children to learn Portuguese. Using various methods, when our children return home from school, we as parents will set aside time to help them learn the language,” said Imelda Barbosa Nunes.
She also said she would continue encouraging her children to learn Portuguese properly, as it is one of the country’s official languages and an important foundation for national development, especially for future generations.
Reporter: Domingas
Photo: Prime Minister’s Official Page