DILI, 05 May 2026 (TATOLI) – Timor-Leste’s Minister of Education, Dulce de Jesus Soares, and Portugal’s Secretary of State for Culture, Alberto Santos, on Monday marked World Portuguese Language Day alongside students at CAFE School in Dili, in an event highlighting linguistic and educational ties within the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP). They were joined by Portugal’s Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Duarte Bué Alves.
In her remarks, Soares said May 5 holds special significance for Portuguese-speaking countries, noting that Timor-Leste celebrates the language with pride as part of its national identity.
She emphasized that Portuguese is not a language imposed on the country, but one chosen and enshrined in the Constitution as an official language. “The Portuguese language is not imposed; it is chosen and forms part of our national identity,” she said.
Soares said the Ministry of Education has been expanding efforts to strengthen Portuguese language learning among children, families, and communities. She highlighted the recent distribution of teaching materials to public schools nationwide aimed at promoting Portuguese use in daily school activities.
Soares also pointed to the adoption of a new Basic Education Law as a key milestone for the education system. The law’s Article 9 recognizes Tetum and Portuguese as languages of instruction, which she described as reflecting an inclusive education model grounded in Timorese identity.
“Teaching and learning Portuguese in Timor-Leste is an act of memory, as this language accompanied our resistance and affirmation as a people. It is also an act of responsibility, because what we teach today will shape the country we become tomorrow,” she said.
The minister also noted that Dili is hosting a series of ministerial meetings this week involving CPLP members in the fields of education and culture, focused on strengthening cooperation across the Portuguese-speaking world.
She said Timor-Leste was “proud” to host the gatherings and reaffirm its commitment to building a stronger education system with Portuguese at its core.
Soares also thanked teachers from Timor-Leste and Portugal for their work, often in challenging conditions, and praised families for supporting education.
She encouraged students to approach learning with curiosity and confidence.
“Learn with dedication. Read with curiosity. Ask questions without fear,” she said. “Every word you learn in Portuguese is a step in your journey.”
TATOLI
