All at Across the Timor Sea are very aware of the importance of final year exams for students. We are also very conscious of just how important they are for students in Timor Lesté.

Fernanda (one of the final year Across the Timor Sea scholarship students attending St Francis of Assisi School), is expected to do very well in her final exams at school, as her performance previously has been excellent.

However, she will have to wait until February until it is known whether she has entry to University. (Competition for University entrance is extreme, because there are so many children wanting to go there.)

Oscar will be Graduating from his Language College where he has been studying Korean; and Jonia will be finishing her Nursing Degree. Domingas will be completing her end of the year school exams soon.

We at Across the Timor Sea congratulate them all on their hard work; and wish them every success in their final exams.

All at Across the Timor Sea were greatly relieved to receive an update from Fr. Nico, regarding progress of the Across the Timor Sea scholarship students attending St. Francis of Assisi School.

Fr. Nico reported to Jan, that all students were working hard and succeeding well.

Knowing how many extreme difficulties that have occurred in Timor Lesté over the past few years, we are gratified that the students are still at school and progressing. In particular, Fernanda, who will graduate this year; and hopes to do well enough to go to University.

We understand that she has the ability to succeed.

We are also extremely delighted with the reports regarding the two former Across the Timor Sea students, now attending University. Jonia is in her final semester of her Nursing Degree; and Jan is hoping to be there for her Graduation.  

Education has always been a primary focus for Across the Timor Sea, and has resulted in the establishment of the Baretto/Nicolay Scholarship program. In 2018, the Across the Timor Sea scholarship has grown to 10 students receiving support for their Secondary Education.

9 of the 10 Across the Timor Sea Sponsored Students

Timor Leste` is a very young nation, and gaining independence came at a great cost. Many schools were destroyed at that time. We have come to understand that Timor Leste` lost 20% of Primary teachers and 80% of Secondary on gaining Independence, and 95% of schools were either damaged or destroyed.

Since that time there has been work towards recovery and rebuilding, however there is much to make up for.

We admire what is being achieved at St Francis of Assisi School (which is the preferred school by Ailalec Village parents and the Ailalec Council), and Jan has noted much enthusiasm for achievement and overall wellbeing of the students there.

There is justified pride in the building construction Jan saw when she was last at the school. The new building will enable school numbers to increase, providing accommodation for the nuns and female students. Included in their vision are plans for indoor sports and a sewing room.

The New Building Site

‘Across the Timor Sea’ were delighted to hear about plans for a dedicated Sewing Room, because in some of the container shipments sent there, we have included donated sewing machines and materials. This was in the hope that students would be taught sewing skills, and on returning to their home village, be able to start a cottage industry of some sort, or at least enhance their community in some way.

This program could not operate without the generous support of Sponsors.