United for Science and Mathematics in Timor-Leste

On 19 December 2022, 82 teachers from 13 municipalities attended the Final Workshop on “Strengthening Science and Mathematics Primary Education Cycle 1 and 2 in Timor-Leste”, in Dili, to address the future for Science and Mathematics in schools.

The eight-hour workshop shared knowledge and experience from international and national experts sharing lessons learnt from Japan and Malaysia from the implementation of similar projects, STEM Education and Education for Sustainable Development. Mr Luis Manuel Fernandes, Director General for Basic Education, Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth opened the discussion on the next step after the Strengthening Science and Mathematics Primary Education in Timor-Leste project.

A session for “Science and Math Demonstration” lead by Sentru Estudu Siensia from the Centre of Study Science and Mathematics (SESIM) inspired great enthusiasm among teacher’s representatives organizd by groups different municipalities.

The last session, “Voices of teachers” moderated by science experts from SESIM and Koei Research Consulting, involved all the attending teachers. Divided into four groups for interactive discussions, they discussed the best strategy to popularize Mathematics and Science as interesting and critical subjects of study in Timor-Leste.

An inauguration ceremony will be held in January 2023, to officially hand over the supplementary textbooks and fully rehabilitated science laboratories in nine municipalities to the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports, as a closing of the project started in July 2019 with support from the Government of Japan.