Dili, 13 January 2026 – The Ministry of Education, through its Partnership and Cooperation Office, held a coordination meeting with the Cruz Vermelha de Timor-Leste (CVTL) on 13 January 2026 at the CVTL National Headquarters (NHQ). The meeting was led by the Coordinator of the Partnership and Cooperation Office, Mr. Afonsu Soares, and the Secretary General of CVTL, Mr. Agapito da Silva.
The objective of the meeting was to evaluate and discuss the implementation of extra-curricular activities conducted in schools across Timor-Leste under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Ministry of Education and CVTL. These activities are primarily focused on the Youth School Program, known as Juventude Cruz Vermelha (JCV).
During the meeting, CVTL Secretary General Mr. Agapito da Silva expressed his appreciation to the Ministry of Education for its continued commitment to the partnership. He highlighted that although the MoU was signed in previous years, its implementation remains ongoing and active. The agreement focuses on the JCV program in selected schools and universities throughout Timor-Leste, with the potential to expand to additional educational institutions, including universities.
Mr. Agapito explained that CVTL is responsible for preparing training modules, while trained facilitators conduct sessions with students on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, depending on the schedules agreed upon between JCV representatives and CVTL branches. The program is coordinated by the CVTL Youth Department and supported by active CVTL volunteers, alongside JCV students.
Participants in the meeting included Mr. Afonsu Soares and his delegation from the Ministry of Education, CVTL Secretary General Mr. Agapito da Silva, CVTL External Relations Coordinator Mrs. Vidiana Xareal, as well as the CVTL Youth Program Manager and Youth Program Officer.
Both institutions reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation to enhance youth engagement, humanitarian values, and life skills development among students across Timor-Leste.
