Sustainable Development Goals
The Project
Encouragement House in Maliana, Timor Leste has a mission to provide students from remote villages with safe, supervised accommodation and living facilities to complete their high school education successfully. Students and their parents know just how important this level of education is to their futures and are keen to take up the opportunity. One small building built 14 years ago in 2009, has become four dormitories housing up to 125 students, a computer training centre and an English language training classroom. Encouragement House graduates are now giving back to the community as teachers, health care workers, qualified nurses, soldiers, journalists, village leaders, border force officers and office workers. They are appreciative of the careers the education has provided them but the need for more students to have this opportunity is growing.
Encouragement House has requested an English Tutor for 12-24 months, perfect for mature and motivated 2024 HSC or IB graduates looking to make a real difference while gaining invaluable international experience.
Main Responsibilities of the volunteer:
- Provide English and basic computer instruction and practice to students
- Interact with students in the informal settings at Encouragement House
- Help organise activities with the young people
- Learn the basics of Timor Leste’s national language (Tetum) to assist with daily living
- Incorporate new materials and activities for student learning
- Collaborate with local English teachers to support student learning and engagement
- Help Encourage House Training Centre to be sustainable by drafting or proof-reading English documentation if requested
- Respond to the needs of children or young people who have been identified as most likely to benefit from individual support
The Location
Maliana is the third largest city in East Timor, on the banks of the Moto Sosso river 149 kilometres southwest of Dili, the national capital. It has a population of 22,000 and is the capital of the district of Bobonaro and Maliana Subdistrict. It is located just a few kilometres from the border with Indonesia and is an important agriculture sector, especially rice and maize production.
Timor Leste is a safe and hospitable country for personal travel for those interested during term breaks and on weekends.
Support Provided:
- Accommodation and meals
- Small monthly living allowance
- National language training
- Comprehensive preparation and ongoing support, including peer support
- Professional development guidance on return for anyone interested in a career in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).
More than 400 students and young volunteers from across Australia have been hosted at Encouragement House, generating long-lasting friendships with Timorese students and fellow peer mentors from Australia and/or other countries along with an enduring love for East Timor. These young Australians have developed a stronger understanding of the importance of being good global citizens because of their time in Timor Leste, sharing what a memorable experience they received and many return for additional visits.
The Challenge
The organisation was formed to enhance the educational opportunities of young people. English language is foundational to further studies for students.
Encouragement House meets the needs of young people (aged 13-18) from remote regions who have no access to education unless they are housed in Maliana. Young people who increasingly need English language school in order to progress in their studies or obtain employment. Their education helps them into further studies and obtain scholarships from government. By giving the young people an opportunity to engage with native English speakers they develop confidence with their speaking and listening language skills. They have the opportunity to gain additional tutoring in all skill domains of English from peers from whom they will not feel shy to ask for help.
This role requires native English speakers to assist with the tutoring of the young people, to supplement the teaching being done by local English teachers.
About You
Ideal for students who have:
- Successfully completed Year 12 including Band 5 or 6 results in English
- Training or experience in Teaching English as a Second Language an advantage but not essential
- Experience in leadership, mentoring supporting young adults at school or extracurricular activities eg: High school tutoring experience; Scouts or Duke of Edinburgh; Youth Mission; Fellowship or Peer Support experience in your spiritual community; Leading sporting or cultural teams (eg School Captain or Prefect/Student Representative Council; Scout youth leader; team or house captain; Editor of school newspaper; Stage Manager for school performances)
- Personal attributes of flexibility, patience and a sense of humour. Friendly, open to learn, patient, non-judgemental; good communication skills; able to explain things simply; able to understand different accents and English as an International Language
- Cultural sensitivity and openness to working within a different cultural context
- A commitment to teamwork, coaching, and mentoring others
- The ability to cope with cultural isolation and different living standards, and a willingness to participate actively with fellow staff and students in order to build strong relationships
How You Will Help
By sharing your knowledge and expertise you will assist to improve students’ English language proficiency levels, including their oral communication skills and access to further education and employment. Your efforts, combined with those of your host organisation, will help to provide a safe, and physically, mentally, socially and spiritually enriching environment for all students.