Dili, April 23, 2025 — A total of 43 students and staff members of the Instituto Superior Dom Bosco (ISDB) received certificates on Wednesday afternoon after successfully completing a semester-long Portuguese language course. The ceremony was held from 14:30 to 15:30 in the Great Hall of ISDB. This language program, conducted during the second semester of the 2024 scholastic year, was made possible through a fruitful collaboration between ISDB, the Government of Timor-Leste—who provided the necessary funding—and a Portuguese institution dedicated to promoting the Portuguese language. The course consisted of three classes: two beginner-level (A1) groups and one elementary-level (A2) group, taught by Mr. Helder, Ms. Sabina, and Fr. Casimiro, who also coordinated the program. The primary aim of the course was to support students in preparing their final theses in Portuguese and to empower staff with the ability to speak and write in the national language of Timor-Leste. Initially, the Embassy of Portugal in Timor-Leste was scheduled to take part in the ceremony and officially hand over the certificates to the participants, symbolizing the strong cooperation between ISDB and Portuguese institutions in promoting the Portuguese language. Unfortunately, the ambassador had to cancel her attendance at the last moment due to urgent commitments. During the event, Fr. Casimiro emphasized the importance of the course for both students and staff, while the Rector of ISDB underlined the broader significance of the Portuguese language in academic and national contexts in Timor-Leste. This initiative reflects ISDB’s ongoing dedication to fostering bilingual education and strengthening academic capabilities through language development.