New Beginnings: Recent Graduates Step Into First Teaching Roles as Enrolment at ICFP Grows

As the new year begins, schools and communities across the province are launching into 2026 with renewed energy. At the Instituto Católico para Formação de Professores (ICFP), Timoe-Leste, preparations are underway to welcome a new cohort of students and teachers, writes Br Paul Gilchrist, the institute's Director.

ICFP staff returned to start the new academic year on 5 January 2026. After an opening prayer and a meeting with all staff, the lecturers were quickly down to work preparing for the arrival of the Licentiate students who began classes the following day.

Also on 6 January 2026, 143 applicants for admission to the Institute sat for their entrance examination and then they were each interviewed by a team of lecturers. The selection process was very difficult, and the decision was made to take ten extra enrolments. All the same over 90 students missed out.

The Licentiate students participated in two weeks of intensive lessons at the end of the second week, and they will commence an extensive estajiu (training period) of three months in the first week of February.

Five teachers from Catholic schools in Baguia, Laga, Uaisa, Manatuto and Uatulari who are part of the Capacity Building Project, were enrolled for the first semester on 20 January 2026 and their places in the schools were taken by five recent graduates, who were delighted to be selected for their first taste of paid full-time employment. They started their teaching on 19 January 2026.

The new first-year students participated in their Orientation to ICFP from 21-23 January 2026. This group is the largest ever to be enrolled at the Institute. They took part in the programme with great enthusiasm and energy, and they were ready for their first classes on 26 January 2026.

The Orientation concluded with a special Mass to open the academic year. It was celebrated by Padre Bernardo, the Director of Catholic Education in Baucau.

2026 has started well, and we are looking forward to a great year ahead. 

View more images:

-Br Paul Gilchrist, Director, ICFP

Pics courtesy: Media ICFP Baucau Facebook page