TaLiHa

After eighteen months, on April 16, 2011, the first 19 TaLiHa senior teachers graduated from the Certificate of Teaching and Learning, issued by the Australian Catholic University / Instituto Católico para Formação de Professores (ICFP), Baucau, East Timor. It was a long-anticipated day and it could only be perfect.

 The 19 teachers, in black gown, received their certificates from Margie Beck, our trainer, and Br Fons van Rooij, Director, ICFP,Bauca.

It was a lovely evening attended by dignitaries, including the Goodwill Ambassador for Education, Kirsty Gusmão, school directors, relatives and friends, among other guests.

TaLiHa is aware that this significant achievement would not have been possible without the vision, planning and financial support of many individuals and groups.
A special mention must be made of:  

• Madre Aurora Pires
• Barbara Woodberry
• The Rotary Club of Richmond, Australia
• Mike Quinn
• Sue Worcester
• Our School Directors

and many other anonymous donors.

An additional thanks to all those who also supported our teachers in a variety of ways: husbands, wives, children, parents, friends, communities and congregations.

Thanks to you all, the schools of TaLiHa are now one step closer to being beacons for early childhood education in Timor-Leste.

The annual AGM was held on April 9, 2011 at the Dominicans in Beto, Dili, and new office bearers were elected for this year. Ludovico from Railaco is still the President, supported by Sr Domingas from Canossa as deputy (as before) and Pascoela from Bazartete as Treasurer. Eufrasia is our new Secretary.

The previous officers presented their achievements for the last four months, including the financial report and activities carried out. Congratulations to all for still fighting for Early Childhood Education!

TaLiHa is preparing itself for another two weeks of training. We are starting a new season of training for the Certificate of Teaching and Learning with new teachers.

Our senior teachers will also continue their training with Anne Fisher. This time, topics like Emotion, Values will be approached.

We have submitted a proposal to the Australia East Timor Community Assistance Scheme (ETCAS) (a small grants scheme). We won’t know the results until the end of this month, so we are trying to get the money for the trainings in case we are not so lucky.

Therefore, TaLiHa is inviting the donors to support our schools in such as an important area as Early Childhood Education. The whole future of Timor-Leste lies in the hands of the children that are with us. And to provide them a good education, we need training.

YOU can contribute to this future by sponsoring a teacher (check our section How To Help and download our flyer).

On November 20, 2010, TaLiHa signed its Constitution and new elections took place.

Ludovico from Railaco is now the President, supported by Sr Domingas from Canossa as deputy, Martinha from Canossa as Secretary and Pascoela from Bazartete as Treasurer.

We wish them well in their new assignment!