AMS is pleased to report that the Children and Youth Centre Ponta Leste (CYCPL), a non-formal education centre providing out of school tutoring and lessons, has expanded its enrolments from 241 students in 2017 to 403 students in 2018. The expansion comes from increasing requests from the local community for their services.
In Baucau there is a high level of unemployment, so the centre also creates employment and stimulates the local economy while students are kept off the street and engaged in educational activities. It aims to protect children’s rights and provide a safe and friendly environment where children and youth can access services and extra-curriculum classes.
AMS Timor-Leste projects coordinator, Michael Coleman, returning from a recent visit, remarked the ‘we are deeply grateful for the East Timorese program coordinators, staff and volunteers for their commitment to this valuable work with some of the most marginalised young people of this region.’
This expansion is a very positive sign that the communities are engaged with the programs. The staff running these programs continue to listen to the local needs and by working in partnership with AMS, we are able to respond.
CYCPL is well known to many Marists having been a popular destination for MSA school immersion groups and volunteers over many years. The past support of this project has allowed the centre to operate four after school subjects: sports, English, literacy and computers. Children’s rights workshops are conducted for the students and the local community and sporting events are held throughout the year. A resource centre is available with books, games and other activities.