The programme introduced students to parliamentary practice, civic rights and democratic participation skills.
Timor-Leste’s Ministry of Education and National Parliament launched the fifth edition of the Youth Parliament Programme on 26 August 2026 at the National Parliament building in Dili. The initiative aimed to give secondary-level students practical experience of parliamentary procedures while developing democratic values, debate and decision-making skills.
The programme was launched by Mr. Deolindo da Cruz, MPA, Director-General of Secondary Education, together with the National Parliament team. Implemented under National Parliament Resolution No. 6/2019, it involved students from General Secondary Education, Technical-Vocational Secondary Education and Learning and School Training Centres (CAFE).
This year’s theme, “Freedom of Expression, Privacy and Citizens’ Rights”, placed attention on civic responsibility in a democratic society.
“The freedom to express opinions is the basis of a free society. However, its conscious exercise requires respect for the privacy of others and a firm defense of human rights,” Mr. Deolindo da Cruz said.
He also encouraged participating students, acting as young deputies, to use Timor-Leste’s two official languages, Tetum and Portuguese, during debates and parliamentary work.
The three-day programme included plenary sessions and activities conducted in parliamentary committees, with participation from students, teachers, National Parliament staff and the organising committee.
Source: Ministry of Education Timor-Leste
