DILI, 08 April 2026 (TATOLI) – During a visit to the Senior High School Técnica Vocacional Dom Bosco Maumali, Cailaco, Bobonaro Municipality, President of the Republic Jose Ramos-Horta reaffirmed his commitment to local development by pledging $100,000 for the repair of essential agricultural machinery.
In coordination with the Prime Minister and the IX government, this initiative aims to restore the community’s tractor fleet, significantly reducing operational costs for local farmers from $20 to just $5 per hour.
The President emphasized that revitalizing the agricultural sector is vital for improving rural livelihoods and supporting the hardworking families of the region.
Addressing the students, the Head of State announced several prestigious international opportunities, including 30 scholarships to the Netherlands and specialized programs at Taylor’s University in Malaysia.
Ramos-Horta also urged the youth of Maliana to shift their academic focus toward Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), as well as languages such as English and Mandarin.
The President highlighted that while social sciences are valuable, the nation’s future development relies on technical expertise in fields like Medicine, Digitalization, and Artificial Intelligence to build a modern, competitive state.
Reflecting on Timor-Leste’s progress since independence, President Ramos-Horta noted the remarkable growth in the healthcare sector, which has expanded from just 21 doctors in 2002 to over 1,400 today.
The head of State also called for a national effort to better compensate and value teachers, citing their essential role in national quality of life.
The visit concluded with a focus on sustainability, as the President detailed new green infrastructure projects in Dili that will provide modern housing for female STEM students from rural areas, ensuring that the next generation of Timorese leaders is prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.
TATOLI
