Dili, November 21, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The Ministry of Education, represented by His Excellency the Secretary of State for General Secondary Education and Technical-Vocational Secondary Education, has signed a memorandum of understanding with the São João de Brito Institute of Liquiçá, held in the VIP room of the Ministry of Education, Vila-Verde. Média Democracia accessed this information through the ME page earlier this week.
In her remarks, Minister of Education Dulce de Jesus Soares stated that the agreement signed between the Ministry of Education, INFORDEPE, and the São João de Brito Institute (ISJB) symbolizes the Government’s determination to strengthen the quality of education and the value of the teaching profession as a national priority.
“We will continue to invest in various types of training such as preparatory training, specialized training, and the enhancement of professional skills for our teachers. We will continue to establish strategic partnerships with excellent institutions. We will keep working to ensure that every school in every village, administrative post, and municipality has well-prepared, motivated teachers who recognize the mission they carry,” said Minister Dulce de Jesus Soares.
She added that no national development can succeed without strong, well-prepared, and properly trained teachers. Therefore, the government is committed to mobilize human resources, institutions, and partners to ensure Timor-Leste’s education system is equipped with professionals capable of meeting the challenges of the 21st century.
Meanwhile, the Secretary of State for ESJ-ESTV stated that the memorandum of understanding signed with the São João de Brito Institute aims to prepare training for scholarship candidates from General Secondary Education and Technical-Vocational Secondary Education in the coming weeks.
“A total of 250 teachers will participate in this training. The first phase will involve 125 teachers from 1–6 December, and the second phase will involve another 125 teachers starting 8 December. The training will include five modules covering Legislation, Pedagogy, Curriculum, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), and Human Fraternity,” said Secretary of State Domingos Lopes Lemos.
He emphasized that teachers must make good use of their time during the training and take it seriously, as character formation is essential for teachers in their daily professional duties.
In addition, the Rector of the São João de Brito Institute, Rev. Father Isaías Abílio Caldas, stated that this moment represents a high level of trust placed by the State of Timor-Leste, through the Ministry of Education, in their institution to contribute in delivering higher-quality education.
“Education in Timor-Leste is our collective responsibility. This trust requires us to contribute and work together to provide better education for all Timorese,” said Rev. Father Isaías Abílio Caldas.
He added that everyone must work together to improve the quality of education in the country.
INFORDEPE President Domingos Martins said that the signing of the agreement establishes the implementation of preparatory training courses for 250 secondary school teachers under the Scholarship Candidate Program. The program will be divided into two phases: Phase I with 125 teachers from 1–6 December, and Phase II with 125 teachers from 8–13 December.
“The main objective of this course is to ensure that new teachers entering the profession acquire the educational, technical, and ethical skills necessary to guarantee quality education in all schools,” said Domingos Martins.
He further explained that the training will be delivered by 17 highly qualified trainers from INFORDEPE, the Ministry of Education, the São João de Brito Institute, and other partner entities such as the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL), to ensure consistent daily training, both morning and afternoon, for teachers in both phases. The Secretariat of State for Equality will also provide support to ensure a comprehensive training experience that promotes discipline, responsibility, and community spirit.
The training will take place at the ESTV Training Center in Corluli, located in Moleana village, Ritabou suco, Maliana Administrative Post, Bobonaro Municipality. The center is fully prepared with the necessary facilities to conduct this intensive capacity-building program for teachers.
Reporter: Nelfiano
Photos: Media ME