Dili, November 10, 2026 [Média Democracia] – Centro Audiovisual Max Stahl Timor-Leste (CAMSTL) held a national seminar with the theme “Reorientation of the Role of Youth and Restoration of National Identity Values”, to renew the collective memory of the Santa Cruz Massacre and strengthen youth awareness to maintain unity and courage. national identity, in the context of the 35th anniversary of the Santa Cruz Massacre, which took place on 12 November 1991.
The objective of this seminar is to promote reflection on the role of youth in the preservation of historical memory and the restoration of national identity values, to contribute to building a just, responsible and sustainable future for Timor-Leste.
Coordinator of the Civil Society Support Office, Gregório Saldanha “Muris”, in his intervention, conveyed a message to the youth to take advantage of time well and prepare themselves with the knowledge, capacity and skills needed in the world of work.
He explained, youth in the resistance period, although continue to give priority to study, but they also dedicate their time and energy to participate in the national liberation struggle to conquer the independence of Timor-Leste.
“Today’s youth must prepare themselves well, because the world is not only competition between people, but also competition in the area of technology, knowledge and capacity. Therefore, youth must continue to learn and participate in training to be ready to face challenges,” said Gregório Saldanha “Muris”
Gregório Saldanha also said, the labor market today requires everyone to have knowledge about technology and language. Therefore, he encouraged the youth to take advantage of the time to develop capacity and skills according to the needs of the field of work.
He also underlined, the resistance generation that fought together until Timor-Leste gained independence will continue to share experiences and information to the new generation, so that in the future they can assume responsibility in the management and development of the country.
He recalled that independence is not a gift that people give only to the people of Timor-Leste, but the result of a long struggle that requires sacrifice, suffering and loss of life of many people.
On the other hand, CAMSTL Executive Director, Eudicitio Pinto, said, the commemoration of the 35th anniversary of the Santa Cruz Massacre is very important to bring together the youth who participated in the resistance with the youth today, to share memories and experiences about the sacrifice of the previous generation in the struggle for independence.
He explained, during the resistance period, the youth faced many sacrifices and sufferings, but they continued to strengthen hope to see Timor-Leste become an independent nation.
According to Eudicitio, today’s youth need to learn from the history and sacrifice of the previous generation, because in today’s society, the understanding of unity, mutual respect and coordination between people must continue to be strengthened.
He considers, the influence of technology and modernization in the current world can affect the relationship between people. Therefore, it is important for the youth not to forget the value of unity and national identity.
“Through this seminar, we want to bring us all together to restore the values of national unity that we used to have. Youth need to know that these values cannot be lost or forgotten, because dignity can sometimes change the world”, said CAMSTL Executive Director, Eudicitio Pinto.
Eudicitio also asked the new generation to hold on to national principles and values, to continue building the nation with responsibility and avoid behavior that could cause division in society.
Through this activity, CAMSTL wants to give the opportunity to the survivors of the Santa Cruz Massacre to share their experiences directly with the youth and participants, so that the new generation can understand more deeply the history of struggle, sacrifice and the value of freedom that the people of Timor-Leste received.
The national seminar involved students from secondary schools in Dili, partners, civil society organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
Reporting: Octaviana da Costa
Photo: Octaviana da Costa