Jesuit Mission Australia will host a webinar this month to celebrate the transformative power of Jesuit education in Timor-Leste.
The presentation, ‘From the Classroom to the World: Transforming Lives through Jesuit Education in Timor-Leste’, will take place on Thursday, November 27, at 6pm AEDT.
It will highlight how the generosity of Australian supporters is empowering young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to become leaders, educators, and agents of change.
Facilitated by Jesuit Mission Australia CEO, Helen Forde, participants will hear from three alumni of Jesuit education programs and a Jesuit educator lighting the way to brighter futures for Timorese youth, Fr Calisto Seco Colo SJ, Director of Loyola College.
After independence in 2002, Timor-Leste faced immense challenges, including a shortage of qualified teachers and widespread poverty. In response, the Jesuits established two cornerstone institutions: Colégio de Santo Inácio de Loiola (Loyola College) and the Instituto de São João de Brito (ISJB).
Loyola College now educates more than 830 students and every year achieves a 100 per cent graduation rate. Adjacent to the college, ISJB trains over 400 teachers each year, equipping them to uplift education standards nationwide.
“From my Jesuit education at Loyola College to the scholarship that has supported me throughout university, you have been there lighting the way at every step,” Pedrosa, one of the graduates, said.
“For my practical experience, I chose a public school in my hometown. I want to teach and empower marginalised communities there,” Jesuina, another of the graduates, said.
Aprilia, the third graduate, said, “My experience in Loyola really shaped me to think that, though you are a woman, you have the power to make change.”
Reflecting on the partnership, Ms Forde said, “Education is the most powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty. We’re proud to stand with the Jesuits in Timor-Leste as they nurture young people to lead and serve their communities.
“I’m thrilled to provide an opportunity for generous and compassionate Australians to hear directly from these three remarkable and incredibly inspiring changemakers who will lead transformational change in their own communities.”
Register for ‘From the Classroom to the World: Transforming Lives through Jesuit Education in Timor-Leste,’ Thursday, November 27, 6pm AEDT
FULL STORY
Jesuit Mission Webinar: From the Classroom to the World (Jesuit Mission)
