DILI, 02 June 2021 (TATOLI) – Timor-Leste along with the partnerships of the international organization have participated in a national webinar to consult teachers and other stakeholders on the integration of climate change as a new subject into the national curriculum.
Timor-Leste represented by the Vice Minister of Education youth and sport António Guterres the National Climate Change of the Secretary of State of Environment office, Augusto Pinto join by the Ambassador of the European Union (EU), Andrew Jacob, and the Country Director of Plan International Timor-Leste (PITL), Dillyana Ximenes,
The online meeting is released before submitting the proposal to the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports MoEYS for final approval.
At the meeting the Vice Minister of Education, António Guterres extended his appreciation to the EU and Plan International Timor-Leste and emphasized the importance of integrating climate change into the curriculum, adding that This will increase children’s knowledge on this particular subject and prepare them to become climate champions for generations to come.
Mr. Guterres also encouraged the technical team to continue implementing the project and reassured that the Ministry would cooperate and treat the climate change integration as a top priority.
Likewise The National Director of Climate Change of the Secretary of State of Environment, Augusto Pinto, also expressed appreciation and encouraged participants of the workshop to actively provide feedback and comments about climate change adaption and disaster risk reduction.
The project is financing by the European Union (EU), implemented by the PITL in partnership with RAEBIA. It aims to work closely with the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sport (MoEYS) and the Secretary of State of Environment to promote awareness on climate change issues amongst children and students.
The Ambassador of the European Union, Andrew Jacobs, said, Climate change adaption is an important part of the EU’s policy and engagement in the world
“I am very proud that the EU supports this initiative. Climate change adaption is an important part of the EU’s policy and engagement in the world. Climate change is affecting significantly our lives and it is therefore key to promote knowledge about climate change adaption and mitigation,” Mr. Jacob said in a statement.
Mr. Jacob added that all children, men, and women should be aware of the environmental challenge everyone face, and education should equip them with an understanding of the issues at stake so that they can engage and find solutions on a local, national and global level.
“Therefore, it is an excellent idea to integrate climate change across the national curriculum. With this understanding, young people and future generations will be able to become active citizens, making changes in their lifestyle choices and calling for a healthy and fair global economy, society, and environment. More than that, when equipped with the right social and technological knowledge and skills, they will go beyond calling for change, to become the change.” He said.
The Country Director of Plan International Timor-Leste, Mrs. Dillyana Ximenes, emphasized the importance of knowledge on climate change with a focus on the Timor-Leste local context, especially amongst girls, young women and men saying that Plan International Timor-Leste and its partner, RAEBIA, will remain committed to promoting this important project.
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