Dili, October 15, 2026 – The Ministry of Education—represented by the Secretary of State for General Secondary Education and Technical-Vocational Secondary Education (ESG-ESTV), Domingos Lopes Lemos—and the Secretariat of State for Vocational Training and Employment (SEFOPE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement aims to bolster cooperation in the field of technical-vocational training, optimize resources, and expand employment opportunities for graduates through national internship programs and international labor mobility initiatives.
In his remarks, Secretary of State Domingos Lopes Lemos emphasized that this inter-ministerial cooperation is vital for strengthening the link between the education system and the needs of the labor market, equipping young people with skills relevant to the economic development of Timor-Leste.
The agreement outlines four key priorities: the harmonization of curricula and qualifications with the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), with support from INDMO, I.P.; the establishment of a pilot “Language for Work” center at the Becora Public Technical-Vocational Secondary School (ESTVP); the facilitation of access to national internship programs and international labor mobility opportunities for graduating students; and the development of career guidance, job fairs, and self-employment initiatives for young people.
On this occasion, the Secretary of State urged school principals, teachers, and trainers to strengthen technical-vocational education, highlighting it as a fundamental pathway for developing skills, increasing productivity, and preparing Timorese youth to meet the demands of the labor market—both domestically and internationally.
