Australian Marist Solidarity (AMS) is working with our project partners in Timor-Leste to develop schools and improve access to education for the very young population of this new nation.
Last month, we reported that work to restore the school building at St Teresinha Catholic Junior High School in Ossu is now underway.
This week, project builder, Mr Martin Rerebain, reports that his team have made excellent progress after just one month of construction.
So far, builders have gutted the old building and the new roof, which is being provided by East Timor Roofing, is being prefabricated off-site. The new rainwater tanks have also been positioned and are currently being installed.
The new building will provide staff and the school’s 450 students a significantly-improved learning environment in plenty of time for the start of 2017 school year.
Plans to develop the new building at St Teresinha’s have been in progress for more than two years. They have involved the local community, including The Parish of Ossu and the Diocese of Baucau.
The project has been made possible thanks to the generous support of the Parish of Ossu’s sister parish, the Catholic Parish of Burleigh Heads, on the Gold Coast, the Geelong Viqueque Friendship Schools and German funding agencies Kindermissionswerk and Aid to the Church in Need.
Once work at St Teresinha’s has been finalised, AMS will turn its focus to the second phase of redeveloping the Abafala Catholic Primary School, which is located in the Baucau district and caters for more than 230 students.
Click here to find out more and to support our efforts to advance educational opportunities in Timor-Leste.