ABSTRACT
Since its independence in 2002, Timor-Leste has declared Tetum and Portuguese to be the official languages, while maintaining English as a working language. Timor-Leste has launched its Strategic Plan for National Development (2011–2030), and as part of this a Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) plan has been created and is now being implemented. The National Institute for Labour Force Development (INDMO) was created with the main role of ensuring the quality of training by establishing national qualification standards and supporting training providers in the delivery of accredited qualifications. As Timor-Leste continues to develop, there have been increasing calls for a nationally accredited English qualification to meet specific demands within education and industry nationally, and to provide support for Timorese nationals looking to work overseas. This presentation outlines the work of the Australia Timor-Leste English Language Program, a DFAT-funded partnership working to improve the level of English language teaching in secondary schools in addition to providing an accredited English qualification to all industry sectors within Timor-Leste. In-service English language training in Timor-Leste is now accredited under the National Qualifications Framework and delivered to English language teachers and trainers in schools and accredited training providers across the country. The program aims to deliver in-service English language training to secondary schoolteachers, in cooperation with the national teacher training institute (INFORDEPE), and to TVET trainers in cooperation with INDMO. Teachers and trainers who successfully complete the training have the potential, with some additional training from internationally recognized training providers, to be promoted to higher positions as national master trainers.
