DILI, 8 May 2026 (TATOLI) — Timor-Leste’s Education Minister Dulce de Jesus Soares and Portugal’s Secretary of State for School Administration Maria Luísa Oliveira visited Externato São José Manleu in Dili on Friday to assess the school’s conditions and discuss future support.
The official visit to the primary and secondary school was also attended by Portugal’s ambassador to Timor-Leste, Duarte Bué Alves, Angola’s ambassador José Andrade de Lemos, and Brazil’s ambassador Ricardo José Lustosa Leal.
Speaking to reporters after the visit, Soares said the purpose of the vsisi was to gain a closer understanding of the school, which she described as an institution with an important historical role in Timor-Leste’s struggle for independence.
“The Ministry of Education has the responsibility to monitor this school,” Soares said. “Today, we came to observe its conditions and identify what support may be needed for the institution in the future.”
Externato São José is regarded as one of Timor-Leste’s historically significant schools and has long been linked to the country’s education development and national history.
The visit reflects continued cooperation between Timor-Leste and Portuguese-speaking partner countries in strengthening the education sector.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
