Díli, May 5, 2026 — His Excellency the Minister of Education, Dr. Dulce de Jesus Soares, and His Excellency the Secretary of State for Culture of Portugal, Dr. Alberto Santos, accompanied by the Ambassador of Portugal in Timor-Leste, celebrated the World Day of Portuguese Language with the students of CAFE school in Delhi

In her speech, the Minister of Education emphasized that May 5th marks a date of great significance for all Portuguese-speaking countries. He emphasized that Timor-Leste celebrates this ephemeral with pride, because Portuguese is not an imposed language, but a chosen language, enshrined in the Constitution as the official language of the Republic and affirmed as an integral part of the national identity.

The Minister also mentioned that the Ministry of Education has been developing, with determination, a set of initiatives to promote the teaching and use of the Portuguese language among children, families and communities. In this context, teaching materials dedicated to the valuation of the Portuguese language and its use in the school daily were recently distributed, in all public schools in the country, within the framework of an ongoing commitment to the quality of education and the future of Timor-Leste.

In his speech, he also emphasized the relevance of the adoption of the new Education Basics Act, considering it a constructive milestone for the national education system. Highlighted that Article 9 it enshrines tetum and Portuguese as languages of education, reflecting a vision of inclusive, demanding education deeply rooted in Timorese identity.

"Teaching and learning Portuguese in Timor-Leste is an act of memory, as this language accompanied our resistance and affirmation as a people. But it's also an act of responsibility, because what we teach today will shape the country we will be tomorrow," he stated.

The Minister also noted that, during this week, Díli hosts important ministerial meetings of the Community of Portuguese-Language Countries (CPLP) in the fields of education and culture, bringing together representatives of Member States to reflect on a common future based on education, culture and cooperation.

Timor-Leste is proud to host this meeting and to affirm, with confidence, its ability to build an ambitious, quality education system with the Portuguese language at its centre.

Finally, the Minister left a word of recognition to the teachers — Timorese and Portuguese — for their dedicated work, often developed in demanding contexts, as well as to the families who continue to believe in the school as a fundamental pillar of development.

Addressing the students, called

“Learn with dedication. Read with curiosity. Ask questions without fear. Every word you learn and every idea you express in Portuguese is a step on your path. ”

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