The objective of this TA is to provide AAA services to support evidence-based education policy dialog in Timor-Leste.

Timor-Leste has made great progress in education since independence. There have been some significant increases of total enrollment in basic education and government expenditure. School grants have led to the abolition of school fees, and infrastructural improvements have increased access opportunities. However, there are still many challenges. Among others: There is a large access gap between urban and rural areas; learning outcomes of Timorese students remain a serious concern; a majority of teacher is of below the required qualification (in addition to high absenteeism rates, high proportion of voluntary teachers, and a major teacher retirement looming). In addition, the country is also challenged to have a skilled workforce available to help drive productivity and economic growth over the coming decade. To provide a more comprehensive evidence to the Government of Timor Leste to develop and implement policies which will lead to improved access and learning for children and youth, four additional activities will be implemented: 1. Systems Approach for Better Education Results (SABER) on Early Childhood and Development and Engaging the Private Sector; 2. Early Grade Reading Assessment III. 3. School Survey II. This is to take a comprehensive portrait of governance, physical facilities, and teaching and learning quality issues at school level. 4. Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET)/Skills Toward Employment and Productivity (STEP). A survey will be conducted to assess skills demand and supply in the adult population to identify skills mismatches and inform education and training policies. 5. In addition, a Knowledge Sharing Forum will be conducted on an annual basis to promote dissemination and exchange of analytical work and foster high-level policy discussions around education challenges and bottlenecks.