Lafaeknews-Agraduation ceremony held on September 23, 2021, commemorates the success of 30 students who recently completed their training on agriculture, horticulture and agroforestry at the Community Development Center (CDC) The group consists of 14 female and 16 male students between 18 and 26 years, all of whom have finished Senior High School.

Through a local subsidy, the project Ai ba Futuru-Partnership for Sustainable Agroforestry (PSAF), co-financed by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development,enabled the establishment of a demo plot on agroforestry at the training center as well as the development ofseven training modules. A combination of theoretical inputs and practicalexercises gave the students a deep insight into agroforestry practices and its various benefits for local communities and for the environment. The State Secretary for Vocational Training and Employment (SEFOPE)expressed its appreciation and recommended that CDC incorporate these modules in its standard course curricula.

The support of Ai ba Futuru allowed thestudents to follow their interest and gain relevant knowledge and practical skills on agroforestry that they are now sharing with farmer groups in their home municipalities Aileu, Baucau and Viqueque. The program also qualified the students to take up positions in Australia, for which some of the students have already applied through the Pacific Labor Scheme.

“I am very happy about the agroforestry activities that have been implemented at CDC. Thanks to Ai ba Futuru, the students received training in agroforestry and were able to get hands-on experience at the demoplot at CDC. With these activities, we prepare the youth for jobs within and outside the country”, said H.E. Alarico de Rosario, State Secretary for Vocational Training and Employment.

In case of any question regardingthis press release, please contact Deolinda da Silva Pinto:

deolinda.pinto@giz.deor call +670 77153561