DILI, 08 May 2026 (TATOLI) — Portugal’s Secretary of State for School Administration, Maria Luísa Oliveira, praised Portuguese language education in Timor-Leste during a visit to the Centro de Aprendizagem e Formação Escolar (CAFE) school in Dili on Friday.
During the visit, Oliveira reaffirmed Portugal’s commitment to promoting the Portuguese language and strengthening educational cooperation with Timor-Leste.
She said she was moved by the students’ enthusiasm and dedication to learning Portuguese.
“It is truly touching to witness the love they have for the Portuguese language,” Oliveira said.
Oliveira described the CAFE project as a joint investment by Timor-Leste and Portugal in future generations and in strengthening the Portuguese language in the country.
“This partnership with the Government of Timor-Leste is a shared investment in the future of Timor-Leste, Portugal and the wider world,” she said. “Together with other members of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries, we can use Portuguese as a driver of global economic dynamism.”
Addressing students, Oliveira encouraged them to play an active role in shaping the country’s future.
“Today I am here to learn. Tomorrow, you will be the ones teaching,” she said.
She also praised Timorese and Portuguese teachers, describing their work as essential to nation-building.
“A teacher is a creator — someone who constantly imagines, innovates and drives change,” Oliveira said.
Domingas Belo Amaral, vice-president of the National Institute for Teacher and Education Professional Training (INFORDEPE), said the visit marked an important moment for the institution and Timor-Leste’s education sector.
“The CAFE school is a concrete example of the strong cooperation between Timor-Leste and Portugal,” she said.
CAFE Dili director Justino Ximenes said the school currently has about 2,080 students in 66 classes, supported by 15 Portuguese teachers, 55 Timorese teachers and 25 staff.
“Our school continues to grow not only in numbers, but also in educational quality, discipline and community participation,” Ximenes said.
Also attending the event were Portugal’s ambassador to Timor-Leste, Duarte Alves, cooperation attaché Ana Pereira, and CAFE project coordinator Roger Soares.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
