As the 25th anniversary of the referendum for Timor-Leste’s independence approaches, international development organisation Mary MacKillop Today has reflected on the education opportunities started by Australian Josephites 30 years ago.
The people of Timor-Leste voted overwhelmingly for independence from Indonesian occupation in a United Nations-sponsored referendum on August 30, 1999.
“This anniversary marks the unwavering spirit of the Timorese people, and we stand with the people as they celebrate their achievements,” Mary MacKillop Today chief executive Jane Woolford said.
The Sisters of Saint Joseph arrived in Timor-Leste in 1994, following a call from Bishop Carlos Belo to help educate the people in the Tetum language.
Just like St Mary MacKillop, the Sisters answered the call because they knew the incredible power of quality education to transform lives for those most vulnerable and excluded.
Despite the many challenges they faced, they persevered in their mission to reach the margins with education opportunities.
“I was drawn to Timor-Leste because I saw the enormous need. When I first arrived, education was only for the elite,” Sr Josephine Mitchell said.
“There were enormous rates of illiteracy, and the situation was made worse because of the restrictions on language. Not only were Tetum books banned, but Tetum was not even allowed to be spoken.
“One of the first things we did was develop materials in the local language. We had to print the books in Australia and discreetly carry them into Timor-Leste ourselves.
“As well as developing the books, we trained teachers how to get the most out of them for their students’ education. That’s when we built a strong core group of teachers to go out to villages to train other teachers.
“It was a great privilege to work all these years in Timor-Leste. The Timorese people have endured so much suffering, and I am so thankful they finally have their freedom.”
Today, the legacy of the Sisters of Saint Joseph’s work in Timor-Leste lives on through Mary MacKillop Today.
Through the delivery of Learning for Life programs, Mary MacKillop Today provides education to break the cycle of poverty and transform lives.
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Mary MacKillop Today’s legacy in Timor Leste continues 25 years after the referendum on independence (Mary MacKillop Today)
