ASIA/EAST TIMOR - First fruits of the commitment of the Jesuits in the field of education

Dili (Agenzia Fides) – There are hundreds of young Timorese who are eager to study and have a higher education: the Education Project of the Jesuits in East Timor, including two education institutions are valuable resources for the local Church of the civil community.
The Project receives significant support from the Jesuit provinces of Australia, Japan and the Philippines. The educational Project comprises two complementary institutions: the College of St. Ignatius of Loyola, a secondary school; and the St. John de Brito Institute, a training center for teachers. It is located in Kasait, a rural area about 18 km from Dili. The construction began in 2012 and will continue for another 10 years.
The secondary school will have about 550 students by January 2018. A vocational training Center will be developed by 2015. The training of teachers instead aims to prepare teachers for higher education levels, even for professional subjects and techniques: the de Brito Institute, nearing completion, will open in 2016.
The Jesuits have decided to contribute to the growth of a country like East Timor, working with the country's institutions. After independence in 2002, governments found themselves faced with the need to completely rebuild the education system that not only contributes to economic development but - notes the religious - is relevant to building national identity.
The first Jesuits arrived in East Timor over a century ago and immediately engaged in education. East Timor has a population of 1.2 million people, 99% are Christians. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 31/01/2015)