DILI, 01 february 2023 ( TATOLI) – The National Department of Agricultural Training (DNFTA), Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries ( MAF) sent more than 374 Timorese students to take part in modern agricultural job training in Israel from 2015 to 2022.
Domingos Cancio da Silva, Head of the National Agricultural Training Department (CNDoAT) said the program was implemented to help Timorese youth develop professional agriculture.
“MAF has been working with Arava International Center for Agriculture Training (AICAT) since 2015 and currently we have sent 374 students from various institutions who aim to study modern agricultural science professionally in Israel to be applied in Timor-Leste,” said Domingos Cancio da Silva to TATOLI in an interview at his office Comoro, Dili on Wednesday.
Question regarding the process of sending Timor Leste students to Israel, Silva added that NDoAT had collaborated with universities and agricultural schools in Timor Leste to carry out the selection process.
” We cooperate with universities in Timor – Leste such as Timor National University – Loro Sa’e ( UNTL), UNITAL, UNPAZ, Betano Polytechnic Institute ( IPB), Institute of Academic Cafe Ermera, Faculty of Agriculture Natarbora, Maliana Agricultural School, Agricultural School Fuiloro and the Oekuse Agricultural School to select students who are eligible to take part in the AICAT program in Israel, but the selection process is carried out by the respective universities and institutions as well as the DNFTA which is responsible for the administrative documents for departure to Israel,” he said.
Silva also said that the number of students participating in the training was selected according to the needs of AICAT.
“Therefore every year universities will prepare ten students,”
While, The 374 Timorese students, 252 have returned to Timor-Leste and 122 are continuing their training in Israel.
According to Silva, the AICAT program is very important because several beneficiaries have applied modern agricultural skills and knowledge to support farmers in Timor-Leste.
“We are proud of their achievements in Israel, some of them have implemented Farm Groups in Vikeke Raitahu, and Farm groups in Likisa, Autauro, and others helping farmers to grow vegetables, maize, rice, and other local foods in a modern way,” he said.
Arava International Agricultural Training Center (AICAT) is a modern agricultural job training conducted in Israel. More than 14 countries including Timor – Leste have participated in the AICAT program and this program.
Journalist: Camilo de Sousa
Editor: Nelia B.
