The overall aim of this project is to sustain the Civil Society Education Partnership (CSEP) as an institutionally strong and credible advocacy coalition able to influence and engage in the education policy processes in Timor Leste by optimising the strategic advocacy spaces it occupies and building the capacities of its diverse membership, including those from marginalised and vulnerable groups.

It will continue to provide a space for its members to hone their skills in leadership, public speaking, organizational development, evidence-based advocacy, and institutional strengthening to effectively influence education programs, policies and budget towards equitable, inclusive, gender-responsive and quality education for all in Timor Leste.

The objectives and expected outcomes build on the advocacy achievements, strengths and momentum of the coalition as it is already an active member of various consultative mechanisms in the country, especially the local education group (LEG) which is known as Açao Conjunta Para a Educação Timor-Leste (ACETL/LEG).

Its objectives will be further complemented by developing the coalition’s capacity to analyze and advocate, attentive to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic to education, for the implementation of gender-responsive and resilient education policies, programs and budget that ensure full implementation of NESP 2020-2024 and SDG4 and guarantee the right to education of all Timorese.

The success of CSEP’s advocacy work will benefit the public and local CSOs, especially those representing the marginalised and vulnerable groups. It will also contribute in strengthening the governance and accountability system in education and encourage greater citizens’ participation in policy formulation, implementation and monitoring.

To further advance its advocacy and ensure that the education issues in Timor Leste reach broader policy mechanisms, CSEP will continue protecting and optimizing its participation in existing regional and global level platforms, especially those within SDGs-SDG4 processes.

A core aim of CSEP in the next 2-3 years is to sustain CSEP as an institutionally strong and credible advocacy coalition that is able to influence and engage in the education policy processes in the country by optimizing the strategic advocacy spaces it occupies and continuously building the capacities of its diverse membership, including those from the Marginalized Youth Forum. CSEP shall continue to advocat towards equitable, inclusive, gender-responsive and quality education for all in Timor Leste.

The first phase of the project was implemented in 2020-2021 with support from Education Out Loud of 200.000 USD.