Graduating students pictured here with Australian Catholic University Emeritus Professor Brother Tony d’Arbon.
Last Saturday, February 20, 46 newly-qualified Timorese teachers graduated from the teachers’ training college in Baucau, ICFP—or Instituto Catolico para a Formacao de Professores, which is administered by the Marist Brothers Province of Australia.
It was the eleventh cohort to graduate as teachers from ICFP, in a country where suitably qualified teachers are in desperately short supply.
Graduates travelled long distances from all parts of Timor-Leste to attend the formal ceremony, along with their proud parents and others relatives.
The graduation was held in the central marketplace in Old Town Baucau, which is near the institute, to cater for the large number of attendees.
ICFP Director Brother Peter Corr congratulated graduating students for their achievements and for choosing teaching as a vocation.
He said, “You have studied for three years to become good teachers who help your students of the future to become good students, who love learning.
“In this way, you also help develop this nation and bring more hope to its future.
“With your skills you can also help your families by supporting your children and give them a similar focus on their own education,” Brother Peter said.
He also thanked and congratulated the parents of graduating students for the support they have provided and the sacrifices they have made to enable their sons and daughters to study and live in Baucau.
Australian Catholic University Emeritus Professor, Brother Tony d’Arbon attended the ceremony and awarded three ICFP staff members Masters Degrees in Education.
ICFP encourages all local teaching staff to achieve this qualification, which is undertaken through distance education with tutoring led by Brother Michael McManus and his team.
President of INFORDEPE (the National Institute for Training of Teachers and Education Professionals) Senor Deolindo da Cruz attended the ceremony as a guest speaker and acknowledged the value of ICFP for the nation.
Vicar General of the Baucau Diocese, Father Francisco Pineiro, representing the Governor of ICFP, Bishop Basilio Nascimento, thanked Australian donors who attended the event, including representatives from the Emerge Foundation, who awarded several scholarships.
The team at Marist Solidarity in Australia congratulates the 2015 graduates, ICFP staff, local Marists and their volunteer supporters on their achievements.
Marist Solidarity is one of the major funders of ICPF, along with many Australian Timor-Leste friendship groups and Rotary.
To find out how you can help increase standards of education by empowering teachers in Timor-Leste follow the link http://bit.ly/1WF0tDe.