DILI, 02 June 2026 (TATOLI) — Secretary of State for Secondary Education and Technical Schools, Domingos Lopes Lemos, on Friday launched the pilot phase of the National Secondary Education Equivalency Program during a ceremony held at the Becora Technical-Vocational School of Commerce in Dili.
The initiative is designed to provide a second opportunity for young people and adults who were unable to complete secondary education due to economic, family, professional, or social circumstances.
In his remarks, Lemos said the programme is one of the government’s key priorities in the education sector, particularly in promoting lifelong learning.
He said the launch of the pilot phase represents a concrete step toward turning that commitment into reality.
“The programme is grounded in the principle that access to education should not be constrained by age, time, or social background. It recognizes that many Timorese youth and adults have had to discontinue their studies due to various circumstances; however, they continue to hold the right to pursue learning, complete secondary education, and improve their prospects for a better future for themselves, their families, and the nation,” he said.
Lemos emphasized that the success of the initiative will depend on the competence and dedication of teachers, trainers, and technical staff involved in its implementation.
He called on education professionals to support students with strong pedagogical standards, sensitivity, and a sense of mission.
According to the Secretary of State, the pilot phase will help identify challenges, refine implementation procedures, and strengthen the programme’s design before its nationwide rollout.
The launch ceremony was attended by senior education officials, including the Director-General for Secondary Education, Deolindo da Cruz, as well as national directors for General Secondary Education, Benjamin Fernandes da Cruz; Technical-Vocational Education, Fernando Mouzinho Gama; and Continuing Education, Alfredo Araújo.
Also present were representatives from the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL), UNICEF, the Secretariat of State for Vocational Training and Employment, the National Institute for Workforce Development, as well as officials from the Ministry of Education and municipal education services from across the country.
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