On 5 June 2024, Kolping Timor-Leste signed a cooperation agreement with GASC (Gabinete de Apoio à Sociedade Civil), which is under the Vice-Prime Minister of the Government of Timor-Leste. As a result, the vocational training provided by Kolping has received an official seal of quality and helps graduates to find work and generate their own income.
Bonifacio de J. M. Soares, Training Coordinator at Kolping, is delighted: “We are deeply grateful for the support from GASC and the Vice-Prime Minister’s Office. These training programmes are a vital part of our mission to improve livelihoods and promote sustainable development in Timor-Leste. We are confident that the skills and knowledge gained through these programmes will have a lasting positive impact on the participants and their communities.”
Through targeted vocational training and further training, participants will be empowered to generate more income.
– The smallholder farmers learn how to utilise modern irrigation technology in order to enhance their crop yields and optimise water usage, which also contributes to sustainable agriculture practices.
– Animal husbandry: The programme covers the best practices in breeding, knowledge of animal husbandry, health management etc. The farmers can use the animals’ manure as fertiliser and thus improve their harvest. Through the sale of the animals, they have a better income.
– Coconut oil production: Participants in this training will learn about the complete process of producing high-quality coconut oil, from extraction to branding and market reach. The training includes practical sessions on how to refine coconut oil and strategies for effective marketing and branding to access broader markets, thus adding value to local coconut production.
The new training programmes will start on 1 July.
