DILI, 09 April 2026 (TATOLI) — Timor-Leste and Japan deepen cooperation in the education sector, with the Japanese government pledging continued support for schools, student programs, and teacher development.
Japanese Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Yamamoto Yasushi met Thursday with Education Minister Dulce Soares to review ongoing projects and discuss new initiatives to strengthen the sector. The ambassador emphasized that education remains a priority for Japan in supporting Timor-Leste’s development.
During the meeting, the two assessed results from Japanese-funded educational projects and identified challenges facing schools across the country.
Japan has helped build more than 50 schools and continues to deploy volunteers to assist the Ministry of Education, particularly in subjects such as mathematics and civic education.
Ambassador Yamamoto also announced plans to implement a new school feeding program in partnership with the World Food Programme. The initiative will expand the existing school meal program to approximately 350 schools in the municipalities of Dili, Lautém, Covalima, and Aileu.
At the higher education level, Japan continues to provide scholarships for Timorese students, especially for master’s degrees, and for civil servants through its Human Resource Development Scholarship Program. Currently, around 140 scholars benefit from these opportunities.
Minister Soares highlighted the importance of the partnership and expressed gratitude for Japan’s ongoing support. “Today’s meeting reinforced our commitment to cooperation through community-based projects. We have identified priority schools, whose proposals are submitted to the Japanese Embassy for support,” she said.
Soares also praised Japan for building educational facilities and for sending 12 volunteers across multiple municipalities to support teaching, particularly in mathematics.
The meeting reflects the continued commitment of both countries to enhance educational opportunities and capacity building in Timor-Leste.
Journalist: Afonso do Rosário
Editor: Isaura Lemos de Deus
Translation: Filomeno Martins
