Dili, September 5, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The Ministry of Education, together with national and international stakeholders and child rights advocates, is convening the Second National Conference on Early Childhood Education (ECE), taking place in Dili from 4–5 September 2025.
Minister of Education, Dulce de Jesus Soares, stated that this high-level forum, held under the theme “Investing in ECE Today for a Brighter Tomorrow”, will deliberate on the importance of investing in quality early learning programs and ensuring equitable access to preschool education for all children, particularly in underserved communities.
“Participants in this conference include government representatives, local and international educators, policymakers, researchers, and community leaders from Timor-Leste, who will also bring forward practical strategies, tools, and ideas to address the persistent challenges that hinder equitable access to early childhood education for many children in Timor-Leste,” said Minister of Education Dulce de Jesus Soares.
The Minister highlighted that the Ministry of Education is working together with partners in Timor-Leste to ensure the provision of quality early learning opportunities for every child’s brighter future, regardless of where they live or their family circumstances.
“Timor-Leste continues to make gradual improvements in ensuring children’s access to quality preschool education, which is critical to shaping their future learning and health. In 2011, the first National Conference on Early Childhood Education helped establish key policy instruments and legal frameworks, including the national ECE Policy, the introduction of a standardized preschool curriculum, and the approval of a preschool management system,” the Minister explained.
She further underlined that continued professional development remains a priority to ensure that preschool facilitators have the skills and knowledge necessary to engage young learners in fun, interactive, and educational ways.
“Despite these efforts, 76 percent of children, particularly those in rural and underserved communities still face challenges in accessing quality early childhood education. The first-grade repetition rate of 13 percent illustrates the struggles faced by students who enter primary school without prior preschool experience,” the Minister stressed.
She affirmed that this conference will serve as a platform to examine the social, geographic, and economic disparities that continue to prevent some children from accessing preschool education.
The conference is being held with the support of development partners, including UNICEF, the World Bank, Better Purpose, Dreams Asia, Care International, Child Fund, Plan International, and Mary Mackillop Today.
Through this conference, the Government of Timor-Leste reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that every child receives a strong foundation in their early years of learning. This is fully aligned with Timor-Leste’s Strategic Development Plan (PED) 2011–2030, which outlines key national goals related to ECE that are to be achieved by 2030.
Report: Nelfiano
Photo: Nelfiano