Meeting of the Council of Ministers of June 17th, 2014
Presidency of the Council of Ministers
V Constitutional Government
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Dili, June 17th, 2014
Press Release
Meeting of the Council of Ministers of June 17th, 2014
The 5th Constitutional Government gathered this Tuesday, June 17th, 2014, in the Council of Ministers’ meeting room, at the Government’s Palace, in Dili, and approved:
1. Introduction of the Fiscal Package for 2015
The Council of Ministers approved the Fiscal Envelope that shall guide the preparation of the General State Budget (GSB) for the financial year of 2015.
Several factors were taken into account when drafting the Fiscal Package for the upcoming year, including the Strategic Development Plan (SDP), the Government Programme; Budget Execution; inflation; and Fiscal Sustainability.
The Council of Ministers has already approved the dates (29 and 30 June) for the meeting, where priorities for the State Budget 2015 will be set. The development of the GSB for 2015 will follow the intent of the V Constitutional Government inscribed in the SDP, of developing human resources, developing infrastructure, strengthening institutions and achieving the Millennium Development Goals and the New Deal.
2. Government Resolution approving the Framework for Preschool Education Policies
The Government approved the Policy Framework for Preschool Education in Timor-Leste. This document consists of a set of principles and guidelines for the development of preschool education, set in the context of the broader educational system, emerging in Timor-Leste.
3. Decree-law establishing the National Curriculum Base for the First and Second Cycles of Basic Education
According to the parameters defined in the National Education Strategic Plan 2011-2030, the Government, through this legislation, adopted a national core curriculum that includes general guidelines on curricular components and a detailed, clearly organized curriculum, identifying the expected learning outcomes, performance indicators, as well as a set of teaching plans, essential to implement the contents of the curriculum components.
4. Decree-law establishing the National Base Curriculum for Preschool Education
Pre-school education is particularly important in children's development, its potential being directly connected to a solid foundation in childhood and early years education. A positive experience in preschool can be a major determinant of the process of lifelong education, since it has the potential to influence families in understanding the value of education and the willingness of the child to participate in the school process.
This diploma sets out the curricular parameters, the most appropriate teaching methods and the expected learning outcomes.
5. Decree-Law establishing the National Commission of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in Timor-Leste
This diploma approves the creation of the UNESCO National Commission in Timor-Leste and defines its nature, functions, organizational structure and financial and patrimonial regime.
This measure follows the recommendation of Article VII of the United Nations Organization (UN), which refers to the establishment of a National Committee in every member state for a better coordination and implementation of the activities within UNESCO. Timor-Leste is a member of UN and UNESCO.
6. First amendment to the Decree-law establishing the general arrangements for Evaluation in Higher Education and establishes the National Agency for Assessment and Academic Accreditation (ANAAA)
This legislation meets the need of terminological harmonization resulting from the approval of the National Qualifications System of Timor-Leste. It also upgrades the Decree-law once taking into account the experience gained by ANAAA since its establishment in 2010, and responds to the urgent need of providing the Agency with an organic structure and mechanisms allowing it to respond to current challenges faced by the country, carrying out its mission effectively.
7. Decree Law approving the Statute of the National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST)
With the aim of making Timor-Leste more competitive in a global society of knowledge, and in compliance with the V Constitutional Government Program, it is created the National Institute of Technology with responsibility for developing research studies and analysis on applied sciences.
The NIST will be the supporting Institute for research and scientific and technological development, endowed with administrative, technical and scientific autonomy, under the tutelage and supervision of the Government member responsible for the area of science.
The Council of Ministers also analysed:
1. Progress report on the organization of the Summit of Heads of State and Government of the CPLP
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation submitted to the Council of Ministers the current status of the organization of the 10th Conference of Heads of State and Government of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), which will take place on July 23, ahead of the Rotating Presidency of the Community by Timor-Leste, for the next two years.
