DILI, 08 june 2022 (TATOLI)—The European Union handed over certificates to 18 Timorese Citizens (WNTL) who had received scholarships by completing professional development training provided by the University of the South Pacific (USP) through the European Union Marine Partnership Program (PEUMP) ).
The 18 scholarship recipients have completed training in Grant Writing, Report Writing, and Resilience Train the Trainers training.
The 18 people were composed of eight men and ten (10) women coming from different institutions, private sectors, and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs).
“Today, the European Union handed over certificates to 18 people who have participated in the scholarships awarded by the pacific program. The program is funded by the European Union, for the Pacific region including TL,” said the Director of National Authorizing Officer (NAO) in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation (MNEK), Gregorio Ferreira da Silva to Tatoli after the event at Palm Business, Surikmas Dili, this Wednesday.
Meanwhile, one of the recipients of a certificate from the World Fish Organization, Agustinha Duarte, said the training taught her how to become a local leader.
“Working with communities and finding sustainable solutions to combat environmental problems for their sustainable livelihoods is at the core of my work. This training is a step to change the lives of our people in creating much-needed social change,” said Agustinha.
At the same time, a civil servant from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAP), Arthur Maria Pereira who also received a certificate, explained that his work with fishing communities can build traditional knowledge strategies that are used to apply for grants to integrate modern technology.
In addition, the EU Ambassador to the TL, Andrew Jacobs was pleased with their participation in this training.
“I am glad that participants from TL were able to benefit from this training, which is as relevant here as similar to other Pacific island countries. The European Union is proud to provide the fund together with the Swedish government through the EU Pacific Ocean Partnership Program (PEUMP). I look forward to more support from programs for the sustainable management of marine and coastal resources available in Timor-Leste,” he said.
In addition, the Vice-Chancellor and Chair of the University of the South Pacific, Professor Pal Ahluwalia, congratulated the first batch of training participants who received the certificate in TL.
“This investment advances integrated knowledge and capacity building to help Timor-Leste to achieve its environmental, sustainable development and maritime policy goals,” he explained.
This training scholarship is part of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) program and the USP which jointly launched a series of short courses to build the capacity of climate change and resilience practitioners last February.
Journalist: Mirandolina Barros Soares
Editor: Armandina Moniz
Translation: Camilo de Sousa
