“My vision for the future is for cooperatives in Timor-Leste to become stronger”

© ILO

© ILO

VIQUEQUE, Timor-Leste (ILO News) - As National Director of Cooperative Management Reform and Training Policy for the Secretariat of State for Cooperatives (SECoop), Mr. Amadeu Silva Lopes appraised the five-day Training of Trainers (ToT) for Agriculture Cooperative Management provided by the ILO under the EU funded Agroforestry Skills Project, implemented by the ILO. Held from 7-11 April, the ToT was the first cooperative training programme targeted to build the capacity of SECoop officials and other agricultural cooperatives managers.

My vision for the future is for cooperatives in Timor-Leste to become stronger, empowering members to generate innovative ideas and enhance their activities in a sustainable manner.

Mr. Amadeu Silva Lopes, National Director of Cooperative Management Reform and Training Policy for the Secretariat of State for Cooperatives (SECoop)

The ToT utilized the My.COOP training package, a specialized programme designed to support current and aspiring managers of agricultural cooperatives in identifying and addressing key challenges unique to cooperatives in market-oriented agricultural development. The My.COOP module was collaboratively developed by expert trainers from the ILO’s International Training Centre (ITC) in Turin.

Through the ToT, together with other participants, Mr. Lopes learnt about how cooperatives operate, how members can collaborate and how cooperatives can enhance their economic activities. “The ToT has provided us with vital information, knowledge and capacity-building opportunities. As Director, I believe this training is incredibly important as it equips us with the tools to create plans and programmes to pass on to our employees working in the municipalities,” said Mr. Lopes.

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© ILO

He also thanked the EU Agroforestry Skills Project and the ILO by stating that “the knowledge we gained has shifted our perspectives, enabling us to formulate actionable plans. This ToT has been transformative and will bring significant benefits to communities in Viqueque and across Timor-Leste”.

By working together, we aim to amplify the impact of this training and extend its benefits throughout our network.

To facilitate local access, SECoop has provided the materials in Tetum, ensuring that these valuable resources are readily available. Mr. Lopes expressed confidence that these materials would contribute to the advancement of cooperatives in Timor-Leste. "Cooperatives in Timor-Leste require further development, and it is essential to equip them with the right tools to foster growth. My vision for the future is for cooperatives in Timor-Leste to become stronger, empowering members to generate innovative ideas and enhance their activities in a sustainable manner."

He wrapped up with a commitment to sharing his newfound knowledge with cooperatives across the country. “I won’t be working alone. I will collaborate with our trainers to ensure this expertise reaches cooperatives nationwide. By working together, we aim to amplify the impact of this training and extend its benefits throughout our network.”

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© ILO