By Palms participant Wendy Baker. Feature image: Wendy (2nd from the R) with two trainee teachers and staff at ICFP Teacher Training College.
My placement has deepened my understanding of global interdependence by highlighting how local actions can have far-reaching impacts. For example, by teaching English to trainee teachers equips them to get jobs in a country where most persons are unemployed and the need is great.
The topics covered in lessons include information and the sharing of ideas about many relevant current affairs. E.g., composting, burning off during the dry season, road safety, family budgeting, community engagement, hygiene and health. This type of knowledge empowers individuals, enhances society and fosters peace.
Although I have visited here consistently over two decades since my previous placement, I have noticed the increase in the standard of living and development for most in Timorese society: this development has been brought or initiated in part by other countries. The Timorese people have strong linguistic skills from previous invasions and the economic realities of being players in south-east Asian life across the board, particularly with their imminent admission to ASEAN. To that end, English language can offer employment and educational opportunities for many Timorese.