Timor Leste Update

May 2018

Sr Rita Hayes has written to us in April and reported that the students that we sponsor are working well despite the many obstacles they face. New students applied for the tertiary scholarships at the university in Dili. CRC Sydenham sponsors six students as they learn to become teachers. The students and families of Timor Leste rely heavily on the funds and goods that we offer them in support of their education. Unfortunately, employment is a problem in Timor where 50% of the population in recent years was under 18 years old. Many graduates persevere to find suitable work in their fields of study, for example, a local graduate, Daniel, is the scholarship program assistant to Sr Rita Hayes, has completed a degree in International Relations. However, in a country with a small population as Timor Leste, there are few employment opportunities. Daniel has volunteered at a Government Technical school that recently opened in Railaco, for all of 2017 with NO remuneration. He has been asked to teach again, but for no salary. It is a shame, that he, like others, cannot find an income. Timor spends the lowest amount on education per capita of any country.

Despite the above, students leave secondary school and enthusiastically begin tertiary studies at the Jesuit university in Dili. They report to Sr Rita with their report cards that fulfils their sponsorship obligations.

We are also proud sponsors of 30 students at Our Lady of Fatima Senior Secondary School. They apply themselves incredibly to their studies despite many having to walk up to an entire day to reach their school and live in the school confines during the week. It’s these students that move on to graduate and seek pathways through tertiary and beyond to live independently and contribute to their society. Our work is very much needed and appreciated by the secondary and tertiary students throughout the communities of Railaco and the Jesuit University in Dili.