Second National Conference Reinforces Timor-Leste's Commitment to Preschool Education
The Ministry of Education, in partnership with municipal authorities, community leaders, teachers, parents, and development partners, held the 2nd National Conference on Preschool Education, under the theme “Investing in Preschool Education Today for a Brighter Tomorrow.” The event, which featured an opening speech by the President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta, took place on September 4th to 5th, 2025, with the aim of sharing experiences and consolidating public policies that promote early childhood education as an essential foundation for the development of the national education system.
In his speech, the President of the Republic emphasized that by the age of five, “90 percent of brain architecture is already established, making this period the most critical phase for learning and development.” Therefore, he added, Early Childhood Education is “the foundation on which all future learning, well-being, and success are built.” 
"Early childhood education is not just a matter of educational policy, it is a fundamental strategy for promoting equity, fostering inclusive growth, and driving sustainable development. (...) It is not just a powerful investment; it is the most transformative one a nation can make in its own future. (...) Solid learning from an early age is crucial because it enables lifelong learning, adaptability, and future success," said the Head of State.
The President also made a special appeal to families and local communities, emphasizing that “you are the first teachers, the first caregivers, and the first advocates for our children.” “This is not just an investment in our children—it is an investment in the future prosperity and stability of our nation. Together, through strong partnerships—both domestic and international—we can build a future where every child in Timor-Leste has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive from the earliest years of life."
The Minister of Education, Dulce de Jesus Soares, highlighted the importance of strengthening national policy on early childhood education, stating that “preschool begins at ages of 3 to 5, so that children have early preparation in literacy and mathematics, in order to enter primary school with a more solid foundation.” The minister also highlighted the progress made since the first conference, including the development of the National Curriculum for Preschool Education, the definition of a Framework of Competencies for Teachers, and the decentralization of programs to municipalities to allow for local adaptation and implementation. Municipalities have developed plans and strategies that respond to local needs and coordination mechanisms, such as ACETL and municipal commissions, to support the provision and monitoring of preschool education services.
The 2nd National Conference on Preschool Education was also attended by international speakers from CPLP and ASEAN countries, development partners, municipal authority presidents, head of the villages, municipal education service directors, preschool teachers, and parents. END
