DILI, 04 february 2026 (TATOLI) – The Secretariat of State for Social Communication (SECOMS) has signed a partnership agreement to launch the third phase of the Language Lab for Journalists (CLJ) program, a document that will be sent to Portugal for signature by the President of Camões – Institute for Cooperation and Language, Florbela Paraíba.
The agreement was signed at the Government Palace in Dili by SECOMS Secretary of State Expedito Dias Ximenes, in the presence of the Portuguese Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Duarte Alves, the Embassy’s Cooperation Attaché, Ana Pereira, and SECOMS Director-General, Florindo da Costa.
Ambassador Duarte Alves said the Portuguese government decided to continue the project as it plays a strategic role in improving journalism in Timor-Leste.
“We understand that training in the Portuguese language must continue to be the central pillar of this project,” said ambassador Alves.
He added that the goal is to “enhance the quality of writing, ensure grammatical accuracy, and improve the editing of journalistic texts in Portuguese.”
The diplomat explained that the third phase will maintain the language review model already implemented in previous phases, complemented by training in specific thematic areas.
“Training must follow the topics relevant to reality,” he said, noting the importance of preparing journalists for new challenges, including technological evolution and the impact of Artificial Intelligence on the media sector.
The Secretary of State Expedito Dias Ximenes highlighted the positive impact of the CLJ project on media work, particularly in language review and journalist training.
“The contribution of the CLJ has been very important in improving the quality of journalistic texts in Portuguese,” he said.
Ximenes also revealed plans to revise the training curriculum to make it more interactive, aiming to improve journalists’ written and oral communication skills in Portuguese.
“We want a curriculum that allows journalists to express themselves better, both in writing and orally,” he concluded.
The government hopes that the third phase of the project will train more professionals with stronger Portuguese language skills, contributing to higher-quality journalism across the country.
Journalists: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
