DILI, 04 September 2025 (TATOLI) –The Ministry of Education (MoE) today launched the Second National Conference on Preschool Education under the theme “Investing in Preschool Education Today for a Brighter Tomorrow.” The two-day event is being held from September 4–5, 2025, at Mahoka Hall Surikmas in Dili.
The conference was officially opened by President of the Republic José Ramos-Horta and Minister of Education Dulce de Jesus.
In his remarks, President Ramos-Horta emphasized the importance of investing in comprehensive early childhood education –particularly preschool –as a foundation for both child development and the future of Timor-Leste.
He stressed the need to expand access to quality early education, train skilled teachers, implement robust national assessments, and create supportive environments where all children can learn, play, and thrive. He described early education as both a fundamental right and a national priority.
“Increasing access to quality preschool education is a top priority to address low learning outcomes and ensure all children have a strong foundation,” President Horta said.
He noted that Timor-Leste has a population of over 159,000 children under the age of five, presenting a significant demographic opportunity. However, he cautioned that this opportunity must be seized through adequate, strategic, and sustainable investment.
“We have reason to be proud. In Timor-Leste, access to preschool education for children ages three to five has been steadily increasing,” he added, citing a net enrollment rate of 32%, which translates to more than 33,000 children currently enrolled in preschool programs.
During the same event, Minister of Education Dulce de Jesus presented the National Preschool Education Policy, which outlines five strategic priorities: expanding access to preschool, teacher training, curriculum development, strengthening parental and community involvement, and promoting inclusive educational practices.
“Today, we gather not only to reflect on our progress, but to renew our commitment, learn from our experiences, and chart a clear path for the next decade,” she said.
Minister Dulce de Jesus emphasized that early childhood education is not merely a service, but an investment in human capital –a driver of social and economic development and a foundation for national prosperity and stability.
“Research consistently shows that the first five years of a child’s life are the most critical for cognitive, social, and emotional development,” she added.
She also highlighted the progress made since the first conference, including the development of the National Curriculum for Preschool Education, the establishment of a competency framework for preschool teachers, and the initiation of decentralized education programs to allow for local adaptation and implementation.
The first conference on inclusive education was held on April 11–12 at the João Paulo II Centre in Comoro, Dili, under the theme “Achieve Education for All.”
Despite progress, access to preschool education in Timor-Leste remains low, with only 20–27% of preschool-aged children currently enrolled –well below national targets. Data from 2019 showed that only about 25% of children aged 3–5 were attending preschool. A 2020 evaluation revealed that the country was not on track to meet its goal of 50% enrollment by 2024 and 80% by 2030. Contributing factors include a lack of public preschools, especially in rural areas, and insufficient funding for the subsector.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Rafael Ximenes de A. Belo
