Empowering youth and students through English language courses in Mindelo village, Manufahi municipality
Young people and students receive expanded opportunities through the English language courses supported by Cruz Vermelha de Timor-Leste (CVTL). Partnering with the Cablaqui Community Development Center (CCDC), this initiative helps community members strengthen their English language skills and build confidence for the future.
This activity is supported by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Korea (MOFA).
Language trainer Rosario da Costa Pereira explained that the total number of students registered for this course is 80, including 25 youth and 55 students.
“They are divided into two classes: young people attend the morning session and students attend the afternoon session. The course run for three months from January to March 2026.
I applied interactive and hands-on teaching methods, including group discussions, role plays, and daily conversation practice to observe and support students’ development in confidence and pronunciation.
In addition, I also use simple vocabulary and provide regular exercises in reading, writing, listening, and speaking to improve their general language skills.
After the course, I have noticed a significant change in the students. They are more confident in speaking English, participate actively in class, and are more willing to practice with their peers. Their listening, reading, speaking and writing skills have changed dramatically, and many students have developed a positive attitude towards learning English.
As a trainer, I feel proud and satisfied that my students are growing in confidence and improving their English, opening up new opportunities for their future.”
Francelina de Jesus Bareto, English language student in Mindelo shares her experience
“I am very happy to have attended an English course for three months. I started by learning how to present myself, then developed skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking. I then learned how to use and form sentences through the 5 
“W” s, asking: who, what, when, why, and where. The course brought a big change in my life: it not only improved my communication skills but also transformed my mentality. In the past, I could not speak English and I felt shy and afraid to stand in front of others. But now, I feel confident to stand in front of many people and speak in English! I am very grateful to CVTL and its partners.
In my opinion, as a representative youth and students in Mindelo, Manufahi municipality, we recommend that this course cannot stop at Level One. We kindly ask to continue Level Two so that our English skills can improve in the future.”
