Minister of Education of Timor-Leste Visits Elementary and Secondary Schools in Higashi Hiroshima City

By Tenjin Fukuzawa (Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences)

May 11: Visit to Ryuuo Elementary School

From May 9 to 15, H.E. Dulce De Jesus Soares, Minister of Education of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, conducted a series of school visits within Higashi Hiroshima City. On May 11, she visited Ryuuo Elementary School, where she observed classroom lessons as well as daily routines such as school lunch service and cleaning activities.

The visit began with a briefing from the principal and faculty regarding school management and educational policies. This led to a vibrant exchange of ideas, comparing Japanese and Timor-Leste systems, particularly concerning PTA funding and the school lunch program. Students also delivered a presentation on the unique characteristics of Ryuuo Elementary and their daily school life. The Minister listened intently, applauding occasionally and encouraging the children in Japanese, saying, “Jouzu, jouzu!” (Well done!).

During the cultural exchange, students gifted the Minister hand-folded paper cranes (senbazuru), while the Minister presented traditional souvenirs from Timor-Leste. The students showed a profound interest in Timor-Leste—a country they were previously unfamiliar with—surrounding the Minister to ask questions in a lively and impressive display of curiosity.

In one heartwarming moment, a young girl complimented the Minister’s earrings, saying, “They are very lovely.” Minister Soares explained that they were traditional Timorese crafts and, in a touching gesture, took them off on the spot to give to the student as a gift. The girl was both surprised and delighted by this spontaneous act of kindness.

I believe this visit provided a precious opportunity for the students to learn about a different culture and broaden their global perspectives. It was a wonderful occasion to deepen international understanding through direct interaction on the front lines of education.

May 12: Visit to Saijo Agricultural High School

On May 12, Minister Dulce De Jesus Soares visited Hiroshima Prefectural Saijo Agricultural High School.

After receiving an overview of the school’s history and educational specialties from the principal, the Minister observed several classes. During an “Agriculture and Environment” session, she saw students working in the campus fields and remarked, “I would love to experience this myself.” She then joined the students in planting tomato seedlings.

The students communicated actively with the Minister, explaining the planting process and greeting her with the Tetum word “Bondia!” (Good morning!). The Minister responded warmly, fostering a genuine international exchange through agriculture.

Furthermore, the Minister expressed strong interest in the school’s practical learning environment and facilities. “Such an environment is crucial for acquiring specialized skills,” she noted. She also voiced her hope that Timorese students might have the chance to study at Saijo Agricultural High School in the future, a sentiment welcomed by the principal.

This visit established a significant new connection between Higashi Hiroshima and Timor-Leste in the fields of agriculture and education. For the students, it was a meaningful time to engage in cross-cultural dialogue through their shared passion for farming.

May 15: Final Day – Visit to Shiwa Elementary and Junior High School

On the final day of her week-long tour, Minister Soares visited Shiwa Elementary and Junior High School, an integrated compulsory education school. She observed lessons across both the primary and secondary levels.

Following the observation, seven student volunteers met with the Minister for a direct Q&A session. The students also presented a school introduction video they had produced themselves. The Minister was highly impressed by their presentation and the professional quality of the video, offering high praise to the creators.

Reflections on the Visit

Reflecting on her week in Higashi Hiroshima, the Minister remarked, “It was extremely meaningful to see the reality of Japanese school settings firsthand.” She paid particular attention to the students’ roles in serving lunch and cleaning, stating her intention to introduce these Japanese practices to Timor-Leste. She even indicated that she plans to raise these topics in the National Parliament as early as next week.

Looking ahead, she expressed a desire to promote school exchanges between Higashi Hiroshima and Timor-Leste, starting with online interactions and eventually expanding into deeper educational ties such as study abroad programs and teacher training.

This visit marks the first step toward a new era of educational exchange. While the Minister deepened her understanding of Japanese education, the host schools also noted that “dialogue with the Minister provided a chance to re-evaluate our own school from a fresh perspective.”

I am committed to supporting these newly formed bonds so that they evolve from a one-time visit into a sustainable partnership—moving from online screens to physical exchange and long-term cooperation.