Marists teacher training college, ICFP, Timor-Leste, assembles 60 students for the first intake of the 4th year degree studies in a landmark moment for the school and wider community.
This semester at ICFP has been a busy one as the college prepares for the beginning of the Licenciatura da Educação (equivalent to a Bachelor of Education in Australia) 4th year practical studies, in addition to all the usual teaching and learning.
In a landmark moment for the school, 60 post-graduate students started the Licenciatura da Educação and completed the first (compulsory) unit, research methods, during the week 4th-9th November. This unit services as the foundation for the action research thesis they will later complete back in their school as part of the course. ICFP were granted permission to deliver a 4th year (post-graduate) practical program which is delivered in an intensive mode so that students are not away from their classrooms for an extended period (as most now work as full-time teachers having graduated from the initial 3-year Degree).
The course also offers students an opportunity to choose a specialization unit, which will give them additional knowledge and skills for their teaching in any Ensinu Báziku school (Years 1-9). For this year, they were able to choose from mathematics, natural science, physical education, portuguese language education or inclusive education. Other units will be added as the course continues. In addition, each student will complete a 3-month internship in their school, teaching only in their specialization.
ICFP is committed to providing opportunities for students from rural areas of Timor-Leste to gain qualifications. This diversity is represented in this graduating class with students coming from many different districts in Timor-Leste. This is critical for the development of the country as the qualified teachers head back to their community ensuring that an increasing number of students across Timor-Leste gain the benefits of being taught by qualified teachers.
ICFP is a major project of the Marist Brothers and of Australian Marist Solidarity and is contributing to the development of one of the poorest countries in Asia. For more information on ICFP visit https://www.australianmaristsolidarity.net.au/project/icfp/