School Refurbishment Project, Timor Leste

At the October Board meeting it was agreed that our Rotary Club would support the efforts of the Warrnambool East Club in a school refurbishment project in Timor Leste.  Some information regarding this proposal was provided on the dining tables at a recent Club meeting.  I know I forget stuff from time to time so just in case you missed it last time the following synopsis is provided.

The school is located in a place called Letefoho which is one of the larger villages, in the District of Ermera with a population around 20,000.  It is 70 kms from Dili, East Timor's capital and 20 kms from Gleno the next largest centre in the District.  Not large distances by Australian standards but given the road conditions in East Timor travel can take hours to transverse a short distance.

This senior school currently has 261 students across years 10 to 12 and is the only local option for 5 feeder schools in the District.  Students who do not access this school need to travel to Gleno or Dili to attend classes at this level.

Letefoho Senior School has a staff of 9, however only 2 are trained teachers.  The other 7 are assistants or volunteers.  They have little formal teacher training, mostly learning their skills on the job, under the supervision of the trained staff.  Often they have only completed primary or junior high school themselves. University courses for teacher training are conducted in Portuguese, as it is the official language of East Timor.  This further limits availability of trained staff as a large proportion of the population no longer understands or speaks Portuguese.

Teaching resources and training are limited.  Text books are supplied by the government but staff lack simple teaching materials such as chalk.  Many students don't have paper and pens.  Some can't afford the uniform USD $6.  Others are unable to attend as their families can't afford the monthly fee of USD $3.00. 

Here are some photos of the school buildings.

 Buildings in Disrepair

Current toilet facilities

Many students lack adequate writing materials and re-use one exercise book by rubbing out previous lessons. 

It is anticipated that at this stage the project may include repair and maintenance of existing infrastructure and provision of a clean water supply both for human consumption and sanitation.  Other matter for consideration may also include provision of school supplies for both teachers and students, scholarships to assist poorer families with both uniforms and fees and provision of sporting equipment.

The reality is that this school lacks basic amenities and materials that Australian students take for granted every school day.

A recce trip is planned for possibly February 2014 with an initial work team visit in August.  As the project unfolds I will pass on information at Club meetings.

Gerard McNamara

Director International Service

November 2013