Timor Leste Immersion
Over the holidays, 12 students and 3 staff members went to Timor Leste on our first immersion program since the Covid lockdowns. We spent time learning about the history and struggles of the Timorese nation in Dili, and then spending time out in the villages and communities around Timor. Our main focus was spending time in our sister school in Turiscai, sharing life, culture and English Conversations lessons with the students there.
We were able to see first-hand how our support of this school has helped build 3 classrooms, a toilet block and funded brand new computers for these students.
Students had many highlights including
- Spending time with the students of Turiscai, forming bonds and friendships with these students and teaching them some English
- A welcome into the Mosque in Dili for the Eid celebration by the local Imam
- Playing volleyball and soccer with children from local schools
- Staying in the homes of local Timorese people - nuns, religious communities and families, and getting a real understanding of the life of Timorese people
- Finding a new appreciation and gratitude for their own education and situation.
A big highlight was an invitation to an audience with the President of Timor Leste, His Excellency Dr Jose Ramos Horta, to hear his own story about the struggles and hopes of Timor. He was very grateful for our partnership with Turiscai and invited our team to lunch with him after the official audience for a more informal time of sharing with the President.
