HWPL Broadens Educational Partnership from Peace Educator Training to the Development of the HFME Curriculum
To realize the social integration and stability it has pursued since independence, the Government of Timor-Leste, through its two education ministries, has been strengthening the institutionalization of its education system to ensure that peace becomes embedded throughout society. The government’s efforts have included the adoption of peace education as a formal university subject and the development of national standard textbooks for primary and secondary education. These efforts mark the transition of peace education into the country’s public education system.
■ Institutionalizing Peace Education in Higher Education and Campus Activities
The Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Culture has systematically developed academic policies and educational infrastructure to establish an institutional foundation for peace education across universities. Beginning with the Peace Educator Training program for university faculty in December 2023, peace education has been incorporated across 14 higher education institutions under the Ministry, including the National University of Timor-Leste (UNTL) and the University of Peace (UNPAZ). These institutions have incorporated peace education into both formal academic courses and extracurricular programs, laying the groundwork for its institutionalization.
Building on this cooperation, universities have also implemented student-led initiatives such as peace speech contests and global exchange activities in partnership with HWPL, creating a sustainable campus culture that promotes peace.
■ Co-Developing the National Standard Textbook ‘HFME Grade 9’ with the Ministry of Education
To embed the values of peace within public education, the Ministry of Education launched the development of the Grade 9 textbook for the newly established subject HFME (Human Fraternity, Morals and Ethics) and selected HWPL as its implementation partner based on its experience in peace education.
This collaborative writing project directly incorporates the principles of peace and mutual respect into the national curriculum. Going beyond a symbolic partnership, it represents a practical step toward integrating peace education into Timor-Leste’s public education system.
■ Seeds of Change Taking Root in the Classroom
Peace education is expanding beyond schools into wider Timorese society, producing tangible outcomes in nurturing citizens who embrace the values of peace. The transformation that began in classrooms is increasingly reflected in students’ daily lives, laying an educational foundation that will support Timor-Leste’s long-term national development.
Miguel Peregrina Fatima Martins Soares, a faculty staff member and assistant lecturer in the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities at the University of Peace (Universidade da Paz, UNPAZ), said, « Peace education is an irreplaceable tool for passing on the values of peace to future generations. The jointly developed textbook and HWPL’s curriculum contain practical examples and core ethical values, providing meaningful guidance for teachers in their instruction. »
Adelino Zitu Ximenes, a student in the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities at the University of Peace (Universidade da Paz, UNPAZ), said, « Through this education, I came to realize the importance of caring for and helping those around me. I believe this educational program is instilling a sense of community and the values of coexistence among the younger generation. »
As peace education continues to expand beyond the classroom and throughout Timorese society, the country’s strengthened institutional framework is contributing to broader efforts to cultivate peace-minded citizens. The influence of this education is extending into students’ everyday lives and has become an important part of ongoing education initiatives in Timor-Leste.
HWPL
