DILI, 25 october 2021 (TATOLI) – The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) officially handed over more than 9000 copies of the Basic Science Education Studentworkbooks to the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports (MoEYS), at MoEYS’s Conference Hall, in Dili, on monday.
The Ambassador of South Korea to Timor-Leste, Kim Jeong Ho informed that the Basic Science Education Studentworkbooks project cost around US$ 2.4 million.
The handover of the 9.108 student workbooks was part of the Post-Project of Cycle 3 of Basic Education for Mathematics and Science in Timor-Leste. It is part of education response to COVID-19 in advancing the National Educational Broadcasting System to ensure the continuity of learning in basic science education for all in Timor-Leste, funded by the Government of Korea through the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).
Mohamed Dejelid, the Director of UNESCO Jakarta and UNESCO Representative to Timor-Leste conveyed UNESCO’s congratulations and appreciation to MoEYS, KOICA, and all stakeholders of this project, enabling UNESCO to achieve ‘One Book One Student.’
The student workbooks were handed over by Francisco Barreto from Timor-Leste National Commission for UNESCO (NetCom) and UN Resident Coordinator in Timor-Leste, Roy Trivedy, with the presence of the South Korean Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Kim Jeong Ho.
In supporting the provision of Basic Education Science Workbooks, UNESCO has also been developing Distance Learning Program for Science through the National Educational Broadcasting System (EBS). This program will ease and enable the students of Basic Education Schools to access ‘Free and Quality Education’ broadcasting through TV Stations across the country. The EBS aimed at strengthening the national capacity in distance teaching and learning, as part of UNESCO Education Responses, during and post-COVID-19 and any cases of similar Education in Emergency in the future.
“All education stakeholders shall work together to ensure the learning continuity in Timor-Leste. The COVID-19 is still one of the biggest challenges for education, causing schools closure which directly affected the effective and quality learning process. UNESCO will continuously support the Government of Timor-Leste that learning will never stop,” Djelid said.
Echoing the importance of educational support, Kim said COVID-19 led Timorese students to disengage from learning and lose their motivation: “With the belief on our own experience, the Government of Korea will continue its commitment to improving access to education so that students will keep their hopes.”
Speaking at the handover ceremony, the Minister of Education, Youth and Sports, Armindo Maia said the handover of the 9.108 was a significant contribution, which is important to enhance mathematics and science learning of 3 cycle students across the country.
“Due to the poor internet connectivity and lack of access to the internet in Timor-Leste, therefore, by distributing these books would help students during this difficult time. ‘One Book One Student’ is a good motto and books are one of our top priorities. Up to now, MEJD hadn’t been produced books for students, and our dream is to ensure each student will have his/her student workbooks in the future, which will enable them to study independently at home,” said Maia.
At the same place, the UN Resident Coordinator in Timor-Leste, and Roy Trivedy said that the project is already being implemented, adding teachers had been trained, and students have received the books.
“Around 9108 students in Timor-Leste in all 345 Basic Education Schools across 13 municipalities have now received the Science Education Studentworkbooks,” said Trivedy.
He said by having such student workbooks in hand will enable schools children, boys, and girls to continue learning basic science education during the school closure.
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Nelia Borges Rosario
