education is the greatest personal freedom that a society can impart on its people. ...

Amartiya Sen, Nobel Prize winner

t e a c h e r ' s   t r a i n i n g
  

the education gap

Education has suffered greatly following the events of 1999. A generation of students have had their studies disrupted, many not completing their education. The majority of school buildings and teaching resources were destroyed and there are very few trained teachers working in the education system. Those that are teaching receive limited ongoing support

 

In Mape, a small village on the border, Agustinho teaches 124 students in a classroom with no more than 15 desks and chairs; 3 students squeeze onto a chair with 3 more sitting on the desktop. Despite being very dedicated and a great teacher, he has not previously received any formal teacher training.

 

In recent years many organisations have generously supported the rebuilding of East Timor's education system. Unfortunately, it is extremely difficult for teachers working in poor and remote areas to access this support.

 

bridging the gap

 

etef acts as an advocate for teachers working in remote and disadvantaged areas of Timor. In addition to a series of projects including school refurbishment and education scholarships, etef is supporting the ongoing training and professional development of teachers working in remote areas.

 

These projects build on etef's ongoing support of teachers in Lolotoe. In 2002, nine teachers from Lolotoe had the experience of working in schools in Darwin for three weeks. This educational/ networking  trip was designed to provide these teachers with the experience of different teaching styles and methods. The trip was an overwhelming success, setting the scene for further development.

 

teacher training

Supporting teacher training in Lolotoe first began in 2001 with the Catholic Education Office (Darwin) funding the training of two young teachers in Lolotoe; Cipriano Pinto and Jose Pereira. In 2002, their training was financially supported by etef in conjunction with two Darwin based schools; Holy Family School and O’Loughlin Catholic College. Cipriano and Jose also participated in the educational trip to Darwin.

 

The current project is designed to support Cipriano's and Jose's training for an additional year, preparing them to work as full time teachers next year.

 

Cipriano and Jose began their study of teaching and English under the tuition of Vonnie Brown (AVI) in April, 2001. Both are enthusiastic students and fine teachers. They work with Vonnie to teach English at the Lolotoe Junior High School. Their training has involved continuing in the Adult English classes, held two afternoons per week. They also study language teaching and learning using the communicative language approach, lesson preparation and resource development for the classroom.

 

Provision of a basic training wage (1/2 a full teacher's wage) ensures that Cipriano and Jose can complete their training. It supports not only their training but the other teachers they work with and the many students they teach.

 

getting involved

Supporting this project is an important way of supporting teachers who are the essential to education. There are no administration fees and all funds directly support the education and future of these young people