Introducing TaLiHa
TaLiHa is a network of 11 Early Childhood Learning Centres) in Timor-Leste.
TaLiHa stands for ‘Tau Liman Hamutuk’, which loosely translates to ‘put hands together’.
The TaLiHa Early Childhood Learning Centres employ approximately 55 teachers in 32 classrooms.
Background
Sr Aurora Pires of the Canossian Congregation in Timor-Leste has, over the last several years, fostered a group of Directors and teachers of Early Childhood Learning Centres based in Dili and the west of the country. At the time she was the Director of the Canossian Kindergarten in Comoro, Dili.
This group shared a common child and community based philosophy of education. Through Sr Aurora, this informal group of Directors became involved in the Rotary Club of Richmond’s Kindy Box Project – a project aimed at assisting the resourcing of Early Childhood Learning Centre teachers and their classrooms in response to curriculum needs.
The group first came together in May 2009 when they met to evaluate the Kindy Box Project. At that meeting it was decided to explore a more formal relationship.
Rationale for TaLiHa
There were several drivers behind the formation of TaLiHa.
To ensure sustainability
In time, individual Directors move on from their roles so it is important to establish structures that ensure sustainability. Their philosophy and their work must be documented and shared across a wide base, and others trained to take their place.
To speak with one strong voice
Individual Directors felt they had a responsibility to contribute to the debate during the formative years of the Early Childhood Learning sector. With their extensive experience in the field they have a lot to contribute. They realised, though, that speaking with a single voice was far more powerful.
To support individual Directors
Directors are heavily involved in the training and supervision of their teachers; they need support in this role. This can be provided informally, but they also need structured professional development.
To offer accredited training to their teachers
It is essential that Directors continue to build the capacity of their teachers. For this they need a structured training program which is recognised by the Ministry and formally accredited. Their hard work and commitment must be recognised.
To ensure ongoing employment for their teachers
It is also important to the Directors that the dedication and hard work of their teachers be rewarded with ongoing employment opportunities.
Structure of TaLiHa
Each participating Early Childhood Learning Centre is represented at TaLiHa by their Director (mainly non-Timorese) and, in the near future, one Timorese staff member (the Assistant Director).
TaLiHa meets formally every second month. They have already developed their:
- Philosophy
- Vision,
- First Draft Constitution and
- a logo and website (TaLiHa.org)
TaLiHa plans to open its membership to others who practice the same philosophy; however membership is currently restricted to the original group. This will allow TaLiHa to establish itself with sound foundations before it expands its membership.
Sr Aurora is an Honorary (non-voting) member as her role within the Canossian congregation has changed and she is no longer the Director of Jardim Infantil Canossa.
Certificate of Teaching and Learning
The Instituto Católico para Formação de Professores (ICFP) has been engaged to provide training for twenty-five TaLiHa teachers in the four modules of a Certificate of Teaching and Learning. In September 2009 this group successfully studied the first module (Psychology – Human Development) in a one-week block of 36 hours.
It is planned that the group will complete the Certificate during 2010. They may then continue to Diploma level (12 modules). The next training is planned for April 2010, followed by a further week in each of August and December.
Training schedule
In addition to the academic subjects of the Certificate of Teaching and Learning, further method training is being planned.
In April 2010 Handwriting, Gross Motor Skills and Music will be offered to all 55 TaLiHa teachers. They will be divided into 2 groups, each receiving 4 days of training. Anne Fisher of NZ will be delivering this training.
Additionally there will be several sessions devoted to facilitating the teachers to explore TaLiHa’s philosophy, out of which will evolve a draft teachers’ Code of Ethics.
TaLiHa teachers are also being rostered in pairs to spend a week observing the kindergarten class at the Dili International School during 2009 and 2010.
Teaching Resources
The Kindy Box Project will supply member schools with the resources necessary to support the training.
Included will be the first of the formal TaLiHa Teachers Manuals. They are currently being developed in
Fundraising
TaLiHa has commenced raising funds to support its goals. It has developed a fundraising flyer and a website (TaLiHa.org) and is approaching organisations and individuals for support within Timor-Leste as well as overseas.
TaLiHa have other fundraising initiatives planned as well as ideas for the marketing of the resources it is developing.
The Ministry of Education
TaLiHa introduced itself formally to the Minister of Education in October 2009 with a specially prepared presentation.
The Minister invited TaLiHa to participate when Early Childhood policies were being developed.
Influencing others
TaLiHa aims to spread its educational philosophy and to support others in developing Early Childhood Learning Centres which embrace this philosophy.
Several TaLiHa Directors currently operate TaLiHa satellites, inviting teachers from surrounding villages to join their in-school teacher training sessions.
In 2010 Directors opened additional classrooms and also some Directors have opened new Centres.
