Members may remember the ALEA/AATE drive to raise funds to support literacy initiatives in Timor Leste. What began at the 2006
Darwin conference as a response to a closing plenary by Kirsty Sword Gusmao, First Lady of Timor Leste, has blossomed into a wonderful reality.
Kirsty sought a translation of a particular picture book by Mem Fox, Whoever You Are, into the Tetum language. Through the generosity of Mem and various supporters in
Australia and Timor Leste, 10,000 copies of the book were printed and on 13 January this year, in Dili, with Mem Fox present, Se De’it Mak O was launched. ALEA and AATE state and local councils generously donated money during 2007 for literacy initiatives coordinated by Kirsty’s foundation, Alola. In addition ALEA and AATE printed 300 children’s T-shirts with the words Read to Me in Tetum, Favor Ida Lee Mai Ha’u, on the front. Children at the launch wore the T-shirts highlighting the important message
of reading to children.
Jo Padgham from ALEA National Council attended the launch in Dili and along with Mem visited a number of schools in the region to distribute the book, with Mem delighting everyone with her dramatic reading. While she read the book in English, every child’s face expressed full understanding of the message and of the fun of reading. This book is the first major international picture book in Tetum and in a country where resources are scarce and recent history has been so troubled, this book represented hope and joy. The local media coverage of the launch and the importance placed on it by the Ministry of Education, the Australian Embassy, Kirsty Sword Gusmao as Education Ambassador, and the many NGOs in Dili, placed children, reading and the importance of literacy at the centre, if even for a few days.
The Alola Foundation established by Kirsty in 2001 is working hard and making a huge difference in many areas. Their newly established education section, with a team of very talented Timorese teachers, provides support to teachers across Dili and other regions. ALEA is very proud to have been involved in supporting Alola and in our part in making this launch the great success it was. We will continue to give professional support to the Alola teachers. Any ALEA members or Local Councils who would like to know more can visit the Alola website www.alolafoundation.org or contact Jo Padgham on padghams@netspeed.com.au.
Jo Padgham
ALEA ACT State Director
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