DILI, 08 September 2025 (TATOLI) – Movimento LETRAS organized the 3rd Literary Festival at Dili’s Fundação Oriente, centering on the theme ‘Reading for Social Transformation.’ The event celebrated the annual International Literacy Day on September 8.
Festival coordinator and head of Movimento LETRAS, Benito Sanches Sávio, said the event aims to promote reading habits, encourage critical thinking, and provide a shared space to celebrate literacy while fostering cultural and scientific production in Timor-Leste.
“The Movement promotes reading habits, supports publishing, and brings the public closer to libraries. That is why we are once again holding this Literary Festival to celebrate International Literacy Day,” Sávio said.
University student Semi Aloesis Tukana praised the initiative, stressing its importance for Timorese youth. “This festival is very important because it awakens public interest in reading and helps reduce illiteracy in Timor-Leste,” he said.
Participant Nélia Prisca added that the festival benefits not only students but the wider public by creating opportunities for self-development and strengthening the country’s literary culture.
The 3rd Literary Festival features more than 20 literacy stands and includes book debates, thematic discussions, a seminar, a book exhibition, as well as artistic and literary performances.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) established the day to highlight the importance of literacy as a driver of dignity and human rights and to advance global literacy efforts for a more educated and sustainable society.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
