Inauguration of Gleno Kindergarten

The Acting Secretary General of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Mr. Roberto Soares Cabral, joined with the representative of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports, inaugurated the Jardim de Infancia(Kindergarten) of Gleno on Friday, July 12, 2003.

On his remark to the guest he said, "I am proud and honoured to be here today to join with the people of the district of Ermera for the inauguration of the first kindergarten, which has been rebuilt entirely by the efforts of the community themselves. The spirit and the initiatives of the community are inspiring, you are setting a marvelous example for others to learn and realize that, if the community work together, they can contribute to our nation building. They can make a significant difference to the development of our country, which will benefit our generations to come. I take this opportunity to sincerely congratulate all of you for being one of the founders in our history of nation building".

If we may recall, the rehabilitation of the kindergartens program in the district of Ermera, started from the visits of two ladies, namely Ms. Joyce Rebeiro and Ms Jan Trezise, from the Friends of Ermera in the City of Casey, Victoria, Australia. The two ladies were facilitated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation in mid 2002, for a need assessment tour to the district. During their visit, they met with the District Administrator and his staff, various community leaders as well as the Peace Corp volunteers. They also consulted several government leaders in Dili. As the outcome of their consultation visit, it was established that they would focus on fund raising for rehabilitation of six kindergartens throughout the district of Ermera.

Dr. José Ramos-Horta was the guest of honour at the first fundraising event held in the City of Casey in October 2002. They have since raised enough funds which will be sufficient to rehabilitate at least one of the six kindergartens, and they are committed to continue to offer their assistance in the long term.

In the next few months, they plan to rebuild the kindergartens in Hatolia and Atsabe will commence, through the funds raised by the Friends of Ermera, and the tremendous supports given by the Peace Corp volunteers, the District Administration, particularly, the District Education and the District Development Officers, but most of all, the sacrifices and dedications of the parents and community members.

"As for the rehabilitation of this kindergarten (in Gleno), you all know better than I do, through the coronation within your community, Mr. Jason Stowe has consistently working with all of you in forming a Community Management Committee, and subsequently acquired the assistance of a grant from the New Zealand aid, which has resulted in the inauguration of this kindergarten today. I am saddened to say that Jason will be leaving Gleno very soon, but at the same time, feel assured that his successor, Ms. Maria Santina da Costa Tilman Alves will continue to work with you to further develop and strengthen what have been started", he added.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation is pleased to have been able to respond to the need of the community; And, His Excellency Dr José Ramos-Horta signed the Pease Corp partnership agreement 2 years ago, and the RDTL Missions abroad have been working on the establishment of Friendship Ties between the 13 districts and the cities abroad.

The rehabilitation of the kindergartens in the district of Ermera has demonstrated a successful cooperation of all parties involved, the spirit of the people in the district, and hopefully, as an example to be followed by other districts.