Dili, January 16, 2026 (Media Democracia) – Today, the Ossu Youth Movement gathered to hold a press conference addressing the Ministry of Education’s decision to close the Olocassa Ossu Uaguia Parallel Secondary School. The group stated that the decision was made without a proper foundation and does not reflect the real conditions faced by the Maubere people at the grassroots level. The press conference was held at Jardim 5 de Maio, Dili.
The spokesperson for the Ossu Youth Movement, Frenky Erjom, emphasized that education is a fundamental right of all Timorese citizens, from pre-primary to higher education, as stipulated in the Constitution of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, Article 59. He also referred to Article 16 on Universality and Equality, which states that all citizens are equal before the law and have the same rights and obligations without discrimination based on race, civil status, gender, or ethnic origin.
“Education is one of the most important sectors for producing human resources, which are the true wealth of Timor-Leste and guarantee sustainability in the state-building process. Therefore, the State must create public policies that ensure all Timorese have access to education, so that citizens can become educated in their own country and contribute to national development,” said Frenky Erjom.
He explained that through Decree-Law No. 33/2023 of 31 May on the establishment of secondary education, the Ministry of Education under the VIII Constitutional Government established the Olocassa Uaguia parallel class. The objective was to bring education closer to communities, especially after the restoration of independence in 2002, as residents of riverside villages such as Uaguia, Ossorua, Uabobo, Uaibobo, Builo, and Nahareka previously had no access to secondary education.
Student enrollment data show that 59 students enrolled in 2023, 40 students in 2024, with 99 students in Grade 10, and in 2025, 48 students enrolled, making a total of 187 students.
“The establishment of the Olocassa Ossu Uaguia parallel class has greatly helped students from surrounding villages to access secondary education. It brought education closer to the community, as students previously had to travel to Ossu town, covering long distances. During the rainy season, crossing rivers posed serious risks to students’ lives and negatively affected their learning process,” he added.
However, the spokesperson said that under the IX Constitutional Government, the Ministry of Education, based on Ministerial Diploma No. 23/2025 of 13 August concerning the approval of transitional organization of public secondary schools, decided to close the Olocassa Uaguia parallel class. The reasons cited were a lack of human resources and insufficient student numbers. According to the Youth Movement, these reasons do not align with the factual conditions, as the class meets the required student capacity criteria stipulated in the ministerial diploma.
They described the decision as unjust and a serious insult to the local community, as it deprives children of their right to access secondary education.
The Ossu youth and students strongly reject the closure of the Olocassa Uaguia Parallel Class, stating that it has severe consequences, including the disruption of students’ learning processes and forcing students to travel long distances to Ossu town. During the rainy season, this situation further creates negative impacts on their ability to study effectively.
The spokesperson also expressed regret over the decision taken by the Director of Olocassa Central School, stating that it was made without consultation with the local communities living near the river, who could have explained the challenges faced by the Uaguia Parallel Class. Instead, the decision was made unilaterally and submitted to the Ministry of Education, resulting in the issuance of a ministerial diploma to close the school.
“This decision constitutes a serious violation of students’ rights as enshrined in the Constitution of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste,” he stressed.
The Ossu youth and students from six villages in Ossu Post called on President of the Republic José Ramos-Horta, as the Head of State, to immediately annul Ministerial Diploma No. 23/2025 of 13 August. They also urged the National Parliament, through Commission G responsible for education, to seriously address the issue, as it violates fundamental citizens’ rights.
Furthermore, they called on the Municipal Education Directorate and the Ministry of Education to make decisions based on careful analysis of real conditions and the common interest, rather than individual interests. They urged education authorities not to ignore the concerns of students, teachers, parents, and veterans regarding the closure of the Olocassa Uaguia Parallel Class.
The spokesperson also demanded the dismissal of the Minister of Education from her post, arguing that she lacks leadership capacity, sensitivity, and integrity in serving the people, and that her actions have contributed to internal conflict within state institutions and violations of citizens’ rights.
Finally, through this press conference, the Ossu Youth Movement appealed to youth and university students from Ossu Post and across Viqueque Municipality not to remain silent about problems in the education sector. They stressed that this issue is not only an Ossu Post problem, but a shared concern for the entire Viqueque Municipality and Timor-Leste as a whole, as educational resources are meant to serve all citizens.
Report: Nelfiano
Photo: Nelfiano