This month, the Bakhita English Institute (BEI) was honoured to welcome representatives from INDMO (Instituto Nacional de Desenvolvimento de Mão-de-Obra) — Timor-Leste’s National Institute for Workforce Development — to our campus in Same for the second time in two months, following an earlier visit in October.
Their continued engagement marks a key step in our accreditation pathway, as BEI works toward becoming a formally accredited English language training institution by the end of the year. Achieving accreditation will be a major milestone in strengthening our collaboration with the Government of Timor-Leste and its SEFOPE program (Secretaria de Estado para Formação Profissional e Emprego), supporting national efforts to prepare Timorese workers with high-quality English education for employment opportunities — especially through the PALM (Pacific Australia Labour Mobility) program.
The November visit was particularly timely, coming just after the graduation of our first Level 1 English cohort (BEI0001) and the successful commencement of our oversubscribed second cohort (BEI0002). This momentum reflects the growing demand for practical, employment-focused English training and the trust our community places in BEI.
We are deeply grateful for INDMO’s guidance, time, and support throughout this process, and for recognising the essential role that English language skills play in empowering Timorese youth and community members toward brighter futures.
This progress for BEI is further strengthened by the fact that, on 26 October, Timor-Leste became a full member of ASEAN, marking a historic milestone for the nation. With this new chapter, the importance of strong and accessible English training has never been greater. English is the working language of ASEAN — used in diplomacy, trade, education, and regional labour mobility — making English proficiency essential for meaningful participation in the region. For Timorese workers, students, and professionals, developing English skills means gaining the confidence and capacity to access regional opportunities, from scholarships and international training programs to employment pathways like PALM and broader economic cooperation across Southeast Asia.
As Timor-Leste steps onto the regional stage, English proficiency becomes not just an academic skill, but a national tool for advancement, enabling the country to engage, compete, and thrive within the ASEAN community.
Together, we are building pathways for opportunity, empowerment, and a stronger Timor-Leste.