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Transformative Education for Sustaining Peace: Training for Teacher Trainers in Timor-Leste
Dili, Timor-Leste - From August 6th to 9th, 2024, UNESCO organized a Training of Trainers in Timor-Leste. The training aimed to equip 15 in-service teacher trainers with cutting-edge pedagogical skills and knowledge, crucial for the nation鈥檚 journey towards sustained peace. The participants were from the National Institute for Training of Teachers and Education Professionals (INFORDEPE) under the Ministry of Education, and the Education and Training Department of the Chega National Centre, a public institute dedicated to preserving national memory through public education.
More than two decades after gaining independence, Timorese鈥檚 youth still face limited opportunities to their national history in schools. The curriculum primarily features European history, offering little relevance to the national and local contexts. Moreover, many educators have relied on traditional teaching methods 鈥 focused on rote learning and exams 鈥 which stifled curiosity and critical thinking for their students. This training addressed these gaps by introducing innovative, engaging, teaching contents and methodologies in history education that are relevant and thought-provoking.
The participants were introduced to a new teacher training module developed by UNESCO, Ministry of Education, and Chega National Centre that provides a comprehensive history of Timor-Leste. It spans from pre-history, through colonial and foreign occupation, to the struggle for independence and the challenges of state-building including achieving transitional justice and sustainable peace. The module provides rich resources like books, articles, photographs, maps, and audio-video materials, making history lessons more engaging and relatable for students. It also includes a glossary to help teachers grasp complex terms and concepts of the content.
The training sessions highlights:
Day 1: Focused on the philosophy of education, reflecting that teaching should enhance the potential capabilities of youth
Day 2 and 3: Delved into the detailed history of Timor-Leste and explored various methodologies to facilitate more effective history learning.
Day 4: Shifted focus towards integrating history education into peace education, that uphold principles of human rights, democracy, non-violence, non-discrimination, inclusivity, and participation, contributing to sustainable development and peacebuilding in Timor-Leste.
Education is not just about transmitting information and knowledge; it is fundamentally about enhancing the potential capabilities of children and young people to find and pursue life paths they value.
History education helps students understand the roots of present-day challenges, enabling them to find appropriate solutions. It also fosters an awareness of the interconnectedness of past and present, helping students become better citizens of both Timor-Leste and the world, with a sense of collective responsibility
Starting in September 2024, the trained trainers will lead sessions targeting 500 schoolteachers across Grades 7-12 in all 13 districts of Timor-Leste. These activities are part of UNESCO鈥檚 History and Peace Education project, launched in November 2021 to support the government efforts to improve the quality of education for peace and reconciliation in the country.
