A trainer’s mission to empower Timorese youth and promote inclusion

As a trainer at the Baucau Community Development Centre (CDC) in Timor-Leste, 34-year-old Julmira do Bento often witnessed her students struggle to find employment or pursue self-employment. While she did her best to guide them using traditional counselling methods, she felt the need for more effective tools to truly support their aspirations.

When young people lack opportunities, they are more vulnerable to joining violent groups or causing trouble. They are not troublemakers by nature; they are simply waiting for a chance. With our support, they can thrive.

Julmira do Bento, a trainer at the Baucau Community Development Centre (CDC) in Timor-Leste

That opportunity came when Julmira was invited to join a training of trainer programme focused on career guidance, soft skills and disability inclusion. The initiative was part of the Agroforestry Skills for Employment and Resilience programme, implemented by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and funded by the European Union (EU), in collaboration with Centro Nacional de Emprego e Formação Profissional (CNEFP Tibar). Without hesitation, she accepted.

© Nuncio Da Costa/ILO

© Nuncio Da Costa/ILO

“I am very happy with this training. It has given me the knowledge and confidence to better support my students in their job search, while also providing skills that are valuable in my own life,” Julmira shared.

From 18 to 23 August 2025, Julmira joined 49 other participants in Dili for the six-day training. With her husband’s full support – he cared for their three children while she was away – Julmira immersed herself in the programme. It equipped her with practical tools to help students explore their strengths, career paths, and employment options. Importantly, it also deepened her understanding of disability inclusion.

I am very happy with this training. It has given me the knowledge and confidence to better support my students in their job search, while also providing skills that are valuable in my own life.

“My younger sibling has Down syndrome. This training shed new light on disability inclusion. Now I can better support him, understand how to approach him and promote inclusion in my community. I also feel encouraged to help my institution create a more accessible environment for students with disabilities,” she remarked.

In Timor-Leste, approximately 1.4 per cent of the population lives with disabilities. According to a survey conducted by the Agroforestry Skills Project, youth with disabilities continue to face significant barriers in accessing education and transitioning to work. These include inadequate accommodation, limited learning materials and unsuitable teaching methods.

She also called on fellow trainers to extend their support beyond the classroom. “When young people lack opportunities, they are more vulnerable to joining violent groups or causing trouble. They are not troublemakers by nature; they are simply waiting for a chance. With our support, they can thrive,” she concluded.

© ILO

© ILO