One of the most daunting challenges faced by students in these remote areas is gaining access to quality education, where technology plays a pivotal role as an enabler. These social challenges are not the primary factors deterring students' enthusiasm for learning. The Secondary Technical Vocational School of Saint Joao Paulo II (ETVI-SJPII), established in 2018, had not previously experienced the kind of exclusive training provided by the UNDP Timor-Leste Accelerator Lab. This innovative training approach involves co-creating solutions using technological devices, with students leading the way and receiving support through mentoring programs.
The one-week training proved to be a revelation for students, introducing them to technology and innovation as catalysts for change. This exclusive training offered students a revolutionary approach to learning, igniting their analytical and critical thinking as they grappled with the social challenges facing their community in the remote area of Passabe, Oé-cusse Municipality. Located along the southern coastal border with Indonesia and having limited access to information and technology, such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and 3D printers, the students recognized their potential to greatly enhance their learning experiences by leveraging their resources and adopting modern approaches, ensuring they are not left behind when compared to schools in urban areas.

Merging design skills with IoT devices resulted in some amazing projects that could potentially improve school facilities and create a better learning environment. The challenge students face is the lack of these facilities to support their learning process and design their solutions.
Upon completing the training, students discovered that addressing pressing issues was far more manageable than they had previously imagined. They viewed this training as a departure from traditional learning, which primarily focuses on reading materials, instead allowing them to engage in hands-on projects, such as smart water irrigation systems, home automation, smart transportation, smart cities, and interior lighting. Julivia Gabriela Hau da Cruz, one student representative, commented, "The way we experienced this training was markedly different from our traditional learning process, which primarily emphasizes reading materials." The training places a strong emphasis on collaboratively crafting solutions to address both social and environmental issues. Additionally, it provides opportunities to develop vital soft skills, including teamwork, PowerPoint creation, and pitching skills. Most importantly, the training encourages us to derive enjoyment from the process of creating these projects.