LIQUIÇA, january 20, 2023 (TATOLI)- UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) through the support of the Government of Japan today handed over nine science and mathematics laboratories in nine municipalities to the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports (MoEYS).
The handed-over ceremony took place in Hu Iso Lara Iso senior high schools, Liquiça attended by the Ministry of Education, Armindo Maia and the Ambassador of Japan to Timor-Leste, Tetsuya Kimura; Director of UNESCO Jakarta, Mohamed Djelid as well as representatives from various municipalities.
Ambassador Tetsuya Kimura said the total project budget of $2.05 million was funded by the Government of Japan and implemented by UNESCO. The project, which was launched in 2019, produces additional math and science teaching materials for grades 1 to 6 for teachers and students.
“This is our first project for mathematics and science in basic education that can help young students acquire the basic knowledge they need to advance their learning in higher education, especially in engineering,” explained Ambassador Tetsuya at ESGP Liquiça, this Thursday.
The project also provides training for teachers to utilize the developed teaching materials, builds one laboratory in each city, and enhances teachers’ capacity by providing pedagogical training.
Meanwhile, Minister of Education, Armindo Maia said, that science and mathematics laboratories are very important because they make a big contribution to a country.
“In TL there is still very little knowledge in this field, and for that, we are grateful to the partners who support the Government of Timor-Leste to provide good educational facilities. But this doesn’t mean we don’t have potential, international events show that if our students are well prepared, they will get good results,” Maia said.
He also asked students to study hard, keep trying and maintain existing facilities because the partners have provided training for teachers in all regions.
Director of UNESCO Jakarta, Mohamed Djelid hopes this laboratory can be utilized by students and inspire other students to study mathematics and science.
“UNESCO will continue to work with MoEYS to develop Timor-Leste’s education system. I’m sure that the Minister of Education will start from here and continue to improve laboratories in other schools. I think this is what I hope for,” said the Director of UNESCO Jakarta.
The project is implemented in several municipalities such as Ainaro, Baucau, Bobonaro, Covalima, Liquiça, Lautém, Manatuto, Manufahi, and Viqueque. In addition, it has provided training to the 1,800 teachers across the territory, this week learning materials will be distributed soon.
Journalist: José Belarmino De Sá
Editor: Nelia B.
