Timor-Leste Coalition for Education (TLCE) has opened a training centre for young people, in particular those who have dropped out of formal education.
TLCE program manager Matias dos Santos said education was important for all, especially young people.
He said the centre offered training in computer skills as well as English and Portuguese.
Young people in Timor-Leste often have limited access to education, he said.
“We’re trying to get it across to parents that education is very important for their children’s education.”
High school graduate Fidelio Fernandes said he was unable to attend university as his parents could not afford the fees.
Instead, he upskilled by taking part in a SOLS English course for two years.
Member of Commission F (education, health, culture, veterans’ affairs and gender equality) Bendita Moniz Magno recognized that a lack of access to education was a problem for many Timorese youth, particularly those in rural areas.
She called for the State Secretariat for Vocational Training, Policy and Employment to open training centres in rural areas.
“They should look into the rural areas and improve communications in remote areas to provide information to young unemployed people who aren’t receiving training,” she said.
