Portuguese speaking Natashe Silva talks to Graciano da Silva Sarmento while Rodolfo Henrique Aparicio observes a class lesson.

East Timorese teachers visit NSW schools

By Kerri Carr

Rebuilding of the East Timorese education system took a step further forward recently with 10 East Timorese principals and district superintendents visiting NSW public schools to learn about the education system.

Public schools have played an important role in the rebuilding of East Timor following the violent withdrawal of Indonesian forces in 1999, raising $53,000 for the Helping Our Neighbour -- East Timor Education Fund.

The principals and district superintendents visited Lewisham Public, Macquarie Fields Public, Liverpool Girls High and Holsworthy Public schools, and attended Federation Council on August 9, where senior education officer Trina Supit interpreted a speech by Natarbora Agricultural High School principal Graciano da Silva Sarmento.

Mr da Silva Sarmento said it was a wonderful opportunity to come to Australia to study and learn.

"We are very grateful for the help received from the NSWTF," he said. "When we began our freedom you helped us in a very great financial way to help rehabilitate our schools.

"There's still a lot of work to be done," he added.

He spoke about his school, located in a very isolated area.

"We have 166 students and 28 teachers," he said.

"We have re-established our resources and boarding facilities at the college for teachers and students...[but] there are still problems that confront us.

"There are still no labs for practical experience."

At Federation Council Federation Senior Vice President Angelo Gavrielatos said fundraising had assisted in the rebuilding of the East Timor education system.

He spoke about refurbishment of Natarbora Agricultural High School.

"A generator means no longer will students have to study by candle light," he said.

At Lewisham Public School the East Timorese principals and district superintendents experienced classroom observations and Portuguese teaching.

Principal Ruth Ling gave a talk about preparing lessons for students who have different learning abilities.

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