The ILO concluded a five-day Training of Trainers (ToT) on Financial Education on 21 November in Dili, Timor-Leste. The ToT equipped union representatives and cooperative trainers with knowledge and facilitation skills to help workers and their families improve their financial decision-making, resilience and economic security. The training was co-funded by the ILO through its Preparing Timor-Leste's Workers and Policy Makers for Just Transition and the Formal Economy programme.
This training has been very valuable in helping us become more confident and effective facilitators who can better support workers and cooperative members in our communities.
Sancho António da Costa Ximenes, a SECoop trainer from Baucau
The ToT brought together 21 participants from the Timor-Leste Trade Union Confederation (KSTL) and the Secretariat of State for Cooperatives (SECoop). They represented diverse sectors, including general workers, maritime, energy, carpentry, construction, electricity and the Cooperativa Café Timor, with participants coming from municipalities such as Dili, Oe-Cusse, Baucau and Manufahi.
Delivered by Indonesian master trainers Rini Wahyu Hariyani and Yermias R.A. Manu, the training addressed persistent challenges faced by workers in Timor-Leste. Financial pressures linked to cultural obligations, unpredictable expenses and limited access to financial services often contribute to debt and financial stress. Using adult learning methodologies, micro-teaching, facilitated discussions and practical exercises, the ToT enhanced participants' understanding of key financial literacy topics.
© Joaozinho Noronha/ILO
The main topics covered included household budgeting, managing income and expenses, responsible borrowing, saving strategies and setting financial goals. Participants were also introduced to financial technology and digital payment systems, highlighting the importance of financial inclusion in a rapidly evolving environment.
"This training has been very valuable in helping us become more confident and effective facilitators who can better support workers and cooperative members in our communities. I learned methods to be a good trainer, and I plan to apply this knowledge and share it with my colleagues and cooperative members in my municipality," said Sancho António da Costa Ximenes, a SECoop trainer from Baucau.
Among the topics, he considered family financial planning particularly crucial for his community. "It is essential, as it can help families better manage their finances through savings. I hope similar trainings will continue in the future so more people can benefit," he added.
I also hope that similar trainings can be conducted and extended to reach more union members, strengthening the union movement and contributing to the welfare of workers and their families.
Etelvina Sarmento, Secretary-General of the General Workers Union (SJT-TL) under KSTL
Etelvina Sarmento, Secretary-General of the General Workers Union (SJT-TL) under KSTL, highlighted sessions on managing family finances, understanding the implications of using loans versus personal capital and recognizing the risks of debt as especially useful. She noted that the training strengthened her confidence as a future trainer and reinforced teamwork, communication and active listening skills.
"I also hope that similar trainings can be conducted and extended to reach more union members, strengthening the union movement and contributing to the welfare of workers and their families," she stated.
The training concluded with the development of action plans by each participating federation and SECoop, outlining how they will cascade the knowledge to workers, cooperative members and communities.
"By strengthening the capacity of trade unions and cooperative trainers, the ILO aims to promote more resilient households, empower workers to make informed financial decisions, and support decent work outcomes in Timor-Leste," said Joaozinho Noronha, ILO's National Project Officer. "This initiative is part of the ILO's ongoing commitment to enhancing financial inclusion, worker protection and socio-economic well-being across the country."
