Students at the Marists’ teacher training college ICFP in Timor-Leste have celebrated the end of their academic year.
Third year students, from the graduating class of 2015, received their final results and were farewelled as qualified teachers.
ICFP Deputy Director Ms Margie Beck says, “This group has done ICFP proud in terms of their maturity and professionalism, as well as their readiness to go out and teach the children of Timor-Leste.”
Students from all year levels worked together to organise a day of celebration, which included mass, a banquet meal, dancing, speeches and lots of tears.
Final week celebrations also included a show that featured first, second, and third year students demonstrating their Portuguese language skills by performing short dramas, poetry recitals, songs and dances. Judges awarded prizes for the best acts.
First and second year students have now returned to their home communities and will recommence their study at ICFP in late January.
Graduates will celebrate their academic achievements and formally receive their qualifications at a ceremony on February 20.
Ms Beck says she is very thankful for the generous support that ICFP receives from its donors in Australia and that the fruits of this generosity are very evident in the schools of Timor-Leste.