Dili, September 29, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The Ministry of Education, together with the Civil Service Commission (CFP), officially launched Phase III of the preparatory training program for 178 joint teachers, who will serve as Basic Education teachers through the Candidate Scholarship Program across all territories of Timor-Leste.
The Minister of Education (MoE), Dulce de Jesus Soares, expressed in her speech at INFORDEPE the joy of meeting together today to officially open Phase III of the Teacher Education Training Program, welcoming new teachers from Basic Education across all municipalities in Timor-Leste. This course reflects the Ministry of Education’s commitment to the future of Timor-Leste, as it prepares teachers for a new mission, especially in implementing the Ministry’s strategic policies under the 9th Government Program, which places teachers at the center of the Government’s priorities.
“Teacher education is designed to prepare you to become professionals, most importantly to educate our children during their first and most decisive years of learning in the first and second cycles of basic education. Your innovation, dedication, and commitment will not only provide them with essential skills in reading, writing, and numeracy, but also the socio-emotional skills necessary to strengthen critical thinking, and to shape individuals filled with deep respect and creativity,” said Minister Dulce de Jesus Soares.
The Minister further emphasized that the IX Constitutional Government has set as one of its priorities the investment in quality education, ensuring that Timorese people have access to learning opportunities that prepare them for the challenges of the 21st century. Beyond strengthening professional training and continuing to serve as teachers, this vision also recognizes teachers as a pillar for building an inclusive and equitable education system that fosters human and social development in Timor-Leste.
Meanwhile, the President of the Civil Service Commission, Agostinho Letêncio de Deus, stated that this training is great importance, not only for teaching pedagogy and subject discipline, but also for character development in partnership with the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL), since teachers are not merely instructors, but also educators.
“I believe this initial training will serve as an important foundation for their future professional growth and promotions,” said the President of the Civil Service Commission, Agostinho Letêncio de Deus.
He further explained that the course, launched today, aims to maintain a strong pedagogical structure, organized into five legislative curriculum areas: pedagogy, information and communication technology, and training for teachers, ensuring a balance between technical knowledge and ethical dimensions in this noble mission.
He added that this course is a complete technical, educational, and human investment, because a teacher is not only responsible for managing scientific and pedagogical content, but also for inspiring behavior, cultivating values, and preparing citizens to live in society with respect, solidarity, and a sense of responsibility.
Reporter: Nelfiano
Photo: Media ME