The main activities of the Division of Education are;
1. Strengthening Teachers’ and Students’ Understanding of Global Citizenship and Sustainable Development.
2. Fostering Critical Thinking and Active Citizenship Participation
3. Reducing Illiteracy and Expanding Learning Opportunities for Vulnerable Communities
4. Enhancing School Infrastructure Safety through the UNESCO-VISUS Methodology
1. Strengthening Teachers’ and Students’ Understanding of Global Citizenship and Sustainable Development.
As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, global citizenship education (GCED) and education for sustainable development (ESD) have become essential elements in preparing students to think critically, engage actively in their communities, and contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable society. In recognition of this, the government of Timor-Leste is focusing on integrating GCED and ESD into school curricula and ensuring that both teachers and students have adequate knowledge and skills to implement these concepts effectively. To achieve this goal, a series of training workshops will be organized, with a particular focus on the Associated Schools Project Network (ASPnet), which promotes GCED, ESD, and the preservation of cultural heritage. These workshops will target both teachers and students, equipping them with practical tools to integrate these concepts into their lessons and community projects. The effectiveness of these workshops will be measured by the percentage of participants who demonstrate an understanding of ASPnet principles and by observing how schools and communities implement these practices in real-life settings. Additionally, advanced training will be provided to ensure that GCED and ESD are embedded not just in the curriculum but also in extracurricular activities. Schools across 13 municipalities will participate, with at least 70% expected to implement GCED and ESD-related activities. This effort will be complemented by recognition programs that reward outstanding schools, teachers, and students who actively implement sustainable development and citizenship education projects. Furthermore, comparative studies and exchange programs will be encouraged, allowing students and teachers to learn from international best practices. These initiatives will foster a culture of continuous learning and knowledge-sharing, enabling Timorese schools to adapt and integrate global education trends into local contexts.
2. Fostering Critical Thinking and Active Citizenship Participation
A key component of a well-functioning democracy is the ability of citizens to think critically and engage in meaningful discussions. To strengthen this competency, Timor-Leste aims to equip teachers and students with the skills necessary for critical thinking and active civic engagement. To achieve this, specialized training programs will be conducted for teachers, focusing on how to incorporate critical thinking into classroom discussions. These training sessions will provide teachers with innovative pedagogical strategies that enable students to analyze information, engage in debates, and develop problem- solving skills. The expected outcome is that 80% of trained teachers will successfully implement these strategies in their classrooms, leading to more interactive and engaging learning environments. Beyond the classroom, student engagement activities such as debates, student councils, and extracurricular programs will be promoted to encourage civic participation. At least 100 students per year will participate in structured debates and community projects, with 70% demonstrating improved decision-making and leadership abilities. To further strengthen this initiative, the government will introduce service-learning projects, allowing students to apply their knowledge to real-world challenges. These projects will encourage students to collaborate with local communities, identify key social issues, and develop solutions through hands-on experience. By fostering critical thinking, leadership, and community involvement, this initiative will cultivate a generation of socially responsible and proactive citizens.
3. Reducing Illiteracy and Expanding Learning Opportunities for Vulnerable Communities
Despite progress in education, illiteracy remains a significant challenge in rural and marginalized areas of Timor-Leste. To address this, the government has launched a comprehensive literacy program targeting youth and adults who have limited access to formal education. This initiative aims to provide functional literacy skills that empower individuals to participate in economic activities, support their families, and contribute to community development. The national literacy program will be implemented across five rural municipalities, with at least 400 participants enrolling annually. The goal is for 70% of these learners to acquire basic literacy and numeracy skills, enabling them to read, write, and perform fundamental mathematical calculations. To ensure the effectiveness of this program, literacy facilitators will be trained in culturally sensitive teaching methodologies. A total of 14 facilitators will be equipped with the necessary tools to deliver high-quality instruction, and culturally relevant teaching materials will be distributed. Additionally, the government will partner with NGOs and community organizations to expand literacy programs in remote areas. Through this collaboration, literacy programs will reach 50% of vulnerable regions, ensuring that marginalized populations have access to lifelong learning opportunities.
4. Enhancing School Infrastructure Safety through the UNESCO-VISUS Methodology
Infrastructure safety is a critical concern for many schools in Timor-Leste. Recognizing the importance of safe learning environments, the government is adopting UNESCO’s VISUS methodology to evaluate and improve school infrastructure safety. To implement this initiative, training sessions will be conducted for decision-makers and surveyors, focusing on how to assess school buildings and prioritize investments for safer learning spaces. A total of 30 participants, including lecturers, students, NGO representatives, and engineers, will be trained, and a pilot assessment will be conducted in 50 schools. Following the training, a one-day seminar will be held to present the findings of the pilot assessment and discuss strategies for integrating VISUS methodology into national education planning. By adopting this methodology, Timor-Leste aims to ensure that schools are safe, resilient, and capable of withstanding environmental challenges.