Status: We could not confirm this is still operating (checked October 2026).
A ceramics training course at the East Timor Development Agency (ETDA) in Dili, funded by USAID’s Tourism For All Project, taught four young Timorese artists to make glazed, decorated pottery for visitors and gift buyers, and they went on to train other students. This story was first published by the project and Timor-Leste’s official tourism site; the details below reflect that report.
The training
Timor-Leste has a long tradition of making earthenware for household use. The ETDA course aimed at something different: a sturdier, glazed product decorated with Timorese cultural motifs and designed for the souvenir and gift market.
Four trainees in their early twenties, José Pereira, Aderito de Jesus, Zacarias Freitas and Domingos Ramos Salsinha, were selected for their artistic talent. They received technical training from a master potter alongside business skills to help them sell their work. ETDA is a Timorese non-profit that runs vocational and life-skills training for young people.
What happened next
According to the project’s report:
- the new pottery went on sale at a shopfront at ETDA;
- the workshop received commissions from the Timorese government for commemorative gifts for visiting dignitaries and national milestones;
- pieces were shipped to buyers in Melbourne, Australia;
- the four original trainees became trainers, passing their skills on to new students.
In 2022 ETDA’s director told the news agency Tatoli that the organisation was developing its clay art and planned to enter it in the WorldSkills Asia competition.
In the trainees’ words
“I never thought I would be able to be so creative or able to learn new skill,” said Domingos Ramos Salsinha, who had been unemployed before the course. “Because I make this local pottery, I know I am promoting my country for others around the world.”
Aderito de Jesus, who had dropped out of school, became a trainer and began learning English. “Painting motivates and inspires me,” he said. “Through painting I am promoting my country.”
Buying Timorese crafts
Before going to ETDA, contact the organisation to check whether the pottery shop is still open and what is in stock. For handmade crafts sold directly by their makers, see our arts, crafts and shopping guide and local products guide, or visit fair-trade shops in Dili such as Alola Esperansa and Things and Stories. For a wider look at Timorese craft traditions, read about tais and its UNESCO listing, and see things to do in Dili.