Shifting education paradigms in the mountains

Ainaro Municipality, 15 May 2026 - “The road to improving education is not just a symbolic journey -it is a physical one, often marked by rugged terrain, steep climbs, and unpredictable paths.” Says Olga Ramos, one of the education mentors in Ainaro Municipality.

Since January 2024, Olga has served as a dedicated educational mentor for Basic Education School at EBC Quatro Montanhas and its surrounding filial schools, such as EBF 1.2 Builico, EBF 1.2 Mau-Ulo, EBF 1.2.3 Martinho de Araújo, and EBF 1.2 Lait in Ainaro Municipality. With a strong passion for learning and teaching, Olga has stepped right into Timorese children’s classrooms, helping teachers connect big education plans with everyday lessons.

As a mentor, Olga helps with the most important parts of a school: management, classroom setup, and teaching methodology. She isn’t just watching from a distance she works side by side with teachers. Sometimes she sits quietly at the back to observe, sometimes she gives helpful feedback, and other times she even takes over the blackboard when a teacher is away. No matter the situation, Olga makes sure that learning keeps going.

Navigating the Rough Terrain

Olga’s work is not always easy. To reach schools like EBF Lait, she must travel far from home, crossing lonely roads and risky paths. To stay safe on these isolated, hazard long trips, Olga often asks colleagues or friends to join her. With their support, she shows that community care makes every journey safer.

Inside the school, Olga faces another challenge. Some of the teachers she mentors or mentees are older and have taught for many years using traditional ways. For these veteran teachers, learning and adapting to new methods and instruction from the Ministry of Education can feel hard, and sometimes it is not easy to accept advice.

Olga does not turn away from these teachers. Instead, she shows patience and kindness. “I talk to them one by one, building trust among us and helping them follow the national curriculum with clear lesson plans.” Adds Olga.

“I also use the Teacher Working Group (GTP;Grupo Trabalho Profesores) method, where the teachers learn together, share ideas and slowly adjust to the new methods which they feel comfortable.” Olga adds.

Seeds of transformation

The true measure of Olga’s dedication is visible in the transformation of her mentees. Today, teachers who once struggled with administrative structures are coming to school on time, reducing absenteeism, and confidently utilizing structured lesson plans.

“Classrooms are now more organized, lively, and interactive. Most importantly, teaching methodology is changing.” Olga says.

Instead of the old, strict routines, teachers are using a child-centered approach. This means students actively take part in their own learning; they ask questions, share ideas, and join in, instead of just sitting quietly and listening.

The Ministry of Education in Timor-Leste is investing in strengthening teacher mentoring as a core strategy to improve the quality of teaching and learning. Building on existing initiatives such as school‑based professional development and mentoring models that provide direct, ongoing support to teachers, the Ministry is expanding systems of coaching, local and municipal mentors, and professional learning communities to enhance inclusive pedagogy and classroom practice. 

These efforts are made possible through the grant funded by the Global Partnership for Education and implemented by the Ministry of Education with UNICEF as the grant agent, ensuring sustained support for teacher capacity development and improved learning outcomes across the country.

Way forward

Reflecting on the experience of two years ago, Olga feels proud of the progress and hopeful for the future. To keep this growth strong, she believes teachers need ongoing training for their professional development. 

“I hope the Ministry of Education will continue to give special courses for mentors and teachers, especially on how to use Information, Communication, and Technology (ICT) equipment in classrooms to make learning better.” Olga recommends.  

“The mentorship initiative is not just a short project as it is an important effort to improve education for the long run.” Olga highlights.

With every long trip into the mountains and every quiet talk with a teacher, she is helping build the base for a stronger and more welcoming inclusive school system in Timor-Leste. 
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