DILI 20 august 2024 (TATOLI) – The Government of Timor-Leste through the Ministry of Youth, Sports Arts, and Culture in collaboration with UNFPA Timor-Leste through the Together for Equality Project funded by KOICA, opened a Training for Trainers batch fifth on Healthy Relationships for 25 youth (10 women and 15 men) at Luz Clarita Hall in Dili.
During the opening, UNFPA Representative in Timor-Leste Bruce Campbell said this training is an important milestone in the collective efforts made by the Government to empower youth with the knowledge, skills, and values they need to make the right decisions and be responsible for their health and well-being.
He also reinforced that Healthy Relationships can support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals
“Healthy Relationship is not just an instrument, it is a fundamental right that supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to health, education, gender equality, and the empowerment of women and girls. Healthy Relationships is essential in our mission to end the unmet need for family planning and preventable maternal mortality, and end gender-based violence and life-threatening practices,” said Campbell in a statement.
Minister of Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, Nelyo Isaac Sarmento, in his opening speech, said that training in Healthy Relationships can help young people make the right decisions for their future.
The Commissioner noted that many young people in the country marry early, saying that the early decision to start a family resulted in them being unprepared to take on the challenges ahead: “Thus, training in Health Relationships can help young people make informed decisions for their future and better contribute to the country’s development.”
Healthy Relationships is not just a curriculum. It is a holistic approach to education that covers a wide range of topics, including human development, relationships, personal skills, sexual behavior, and health. It encourages young people to develop positive self-esteem (confidence) and respect for others while promoting gender equality and understanding diversity. Through Healthy Relationships, raise a generation that is not only informed but also empathetic, responsible, and can make a positive contribution to society in Timor-Leste.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
