Timor-Leste Builds Its Future Through Youth Peace Education
Timor-Leste, a country that has experienced long years of colonial rule and civil war, is now preparing for a sustainable future by expanding peace education for youth. With the support of higher education institutions and in partnership with the global peace NGO Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), peace education is becoming a vital part of the nation’s academic system.
National Efforts to Institutionalize Peace Education
The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Culture of Timor-Leste signed an MOU with HWPL to train peace educators and broaden peace education.
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In a short period, 17 higher education institutions joined the effort.
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Today, 14 out of 20 universities in Timor-Leste are already implementing peace education or preparing to do so.
Minister José Honório emphasized:
“Peace begins in higher education, where youth learn harmony and build a better future.”
The government continues to support embedding peace education into the national education framework. For example, UNPAZ (Universidade da Paz) has incorporated peace education into its official curriculum, while other universities use HWPL’s peace textbooks for lectures, discussions, and practice-based activities.
A Curriculum for Peace
HWPL’s peace textbook includes 12 lessons, covering:
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Causes and solutions to conflict
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The role of global citizenship
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Peace character and values
Through these lessons, students not only study theory but also practice dialogue, cooperation, and conflict resolution skills.
Youth Engagement Beyond the Classroom
Timorese universities have also hosted programs that connect students with their communities:
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Earth Day essay contests
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Peace storytelling competitions
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Youth workshops
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Peace camps
These activities help youth experience and share the value of peace in real-life settings.
Professor João Francisco Maia, from UNPAZ’s Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, explained:
“HWPL’s peace education helps students learn conflict resolution and social justice, while fostering critical thinking. It is not just lectures—it builds a foundation for students to become leaders who can solve social problems.”
Mercia Mendonça, a student at Timor Catholic University, shared her experience:
“I learned that helping friends contributes to harmony and peace. Solving small problems peacefully can create a more peaceful community.”
Recognized as a Global Example
Timor-Leste’s progress in peace education will be introduced as a model case at the upcoming 11th Anniversary of the HWPL September 18th World Peace Summit in Cheongju, South Korea, on September 18–19, 2025, attended by about 770 domestic and international leaders.
Beyond classrooms, HWPL continues to collaborate with Timor-Leste in fields such as media, culture, and sports—organizing peace journalism training, Korean language classes, futsal tournaments, and mural projects—all of which foster harmony in local communities.
Looking Ahead
By institutionalizing peace education, Timor-Leste is empowering its youth to embrace unity, responsibility, and community engagement. What began as an educational initiative is becoming a national foundation for lasting peace, with lessons that are now being shared on the international stage.
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