Timor-Leste is a small state that finally achieved independence in 2002. It has had to re-build an entire education system from a small base largely destroyed in the independence struggle. This paper presents the issues identified in pre-independence meetings, and considers these within the framework of transition and transformation problems for a small island with a diverse population and a long history of colonisation, using Namibia as an apt example. Fifteen years later, teacher preparation both pre- and in-service is identified as a major issue in achieving educational and social goals, with language training a key factor. Enrolments have improved and gender equity is close to parity, but urban-rural differences remain. Late enrolments, drop-outs especially in the early years, and repetition are major hurdles in achieving an educated, knowledgeable and qualified population.

中文翻译：

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东帝汶的教育：展望未来 

东帝汶是一个小国，终于在2002年实现独立。它不得不从一个在独立斗争中遭到严重破坏的小基地重建整个教育体系。本文介绍了独立前会议确定的问题，并以纳米比亚为例，在人口众多，殖民历史悠久的小岛的过渡和转型问题框架内考虑了这些问题。十五年后，教师的准备和在职准备被确定为实现教育和社会目标的主要问题，而语言培训是关键因素。入学率有所提高，性别平等已接近均等，但城乡差异仍然存在。较晚入学，辍学（尤其是在早期退学）和留级是获得受过良好教育的主要障碍，