Dili, July 6, 2026 (Media Democracia) –Government through the Ministry of Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture (MJDAK) and Plan International Timor-Leste officially sign a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen partnership and work together in the areas of youth development, sports, arts, culture and entrepreneurship.
According to the Director General for Corporate Services of MJDAK, João dos Santos, he said that formalizing this partnership is important to strengthen the activities that have already been implemented between Plan International and the Directorate General of Youth.
“The formalization of this Memorandum of Understanding is to expand and strengthen the understanding between MJDAK and Plan International regarding the activities that have already been carried out together with the Directorate General of Youth. With this signing, we can continue to work with even better coordination and ensure that the programs implemented directly benefit the youth of Timor-Leste,” said João dos Santos to journalists at the signing ceremony held in the Hall for Persons with Disabilities (EhD) MJDAK, Lecidere, Dili, on Friday (03/07/2026).
He added that so far MJDAK and Plan International have been working together in four municipalities that are priority areas for the organization. These programs focus on youth capacity development through sports, creativity, arts and culture, and also entrepreneurship to prepare young people to be independent and contribute to national development. He said this partnership will open up even more opportunities for youth to participate in constructive activities and increase their leadership and innovation capacity.
On the other hand, the Country Director of Plan International Timor-Leste, Fátima Estrela Soares, considers the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding a strategic step to formalize the working relationship that has already been going well between the two institutions.
“Today is a very important day for Plan International Timor-Leste. We are happy because we can finally formalize this partnership with MJDAK. This formalization will strengthen our commitment to continue working together with the youth of Timor-Leste and ensure that the programs we implement respond to the needs in communities,” said Fátima Estrela Soares.
She further explained that Plan International is currently working with more than 20 youth groups in various programs, including agriculture and horticulture, promotion of clean water and recycling, climate change adaptation, reproductive health, and strengthening youth leadership.
“We believe that investing in youth is investing in the future of Timor-Leste. Because of that, we will continue to work together with the government and other partners so that young people can have the opportunity to develop their potential and become future leaders,” she said.
With the formalization of this Memorandum of Understanding, MJDAK and Plan International Timor-Leste hope this partnership can increase the efficiency of program implementation, expand access to opportunities for youth in the municipalities, and contribute to sustainable and inclusive development in Timor-Leste.
Report By:Tomás dos Santos
Photo: Tomás dos Santos