Gleno, Saturday, June 14, 2025

His Excellency the Secretary of State for Cooperatives (SECoop), Eng. Arsénio Pereira da Silva, M.Agr., participated in the Datolu Popular Graduation ceremony of the Institute of Fulidaidai Slulu Economics (IEFS), held on Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Madium, Fatuqueru Village, Ermera Administrative Post, Ermera Municipality.

This year’s graduation was held under the theme: “Growing Knowledge and Planting Hope.” A total of 21 graduates completed six months of theory and field-based practice.

In his remarks, His Excellency emphasized the IX Constitutional Government’s policy to strengthen grassroots cooperatives and engage youth in developing production cooperatives.

SECoop views popular education as essential for reinforcing cooperative movements at the grassroots level. Through the newly graduated youth, equipped with leadership skills, social consciousness, and a spirit of volunteerism, they can become agents of change in their communities and throughout Timor-Leste.

“I congratulate all the graduates and hope that when you return to your respective communities, you will apply what you have learned at IEFS to transform grassroots economies and contribute to household economic growth,” said SECoop.

He also reiterated that SECoop will continue, under the IX Government’s policy, to support groups willing to organize themselves through SECoop’s funding facilities, encouraging transformative leadership that drives prosperity. SECoop remains open to collaborate with anyone committed to collective progress.

The graduation ceremony was attended by the Representative of the President of Ermera Municipal Authority, KSI Co-Director Jenito Santana, APHEDA Regional Coordinator Holly Fingland, Secretary-General of the South Australian Workers Union, coordinators from the Ermera Agricultural Union (UNAER), and from Bobonaro, Covalima, Manufahi, and Ainaro, along with community leaders and families of the graduates.

SECoop Media