53% of the population in Timor-Leste is under the age of 19*; therefore, Christian education has immense potential for shaping lives and transforming this nation.
Timor-Leste is a country ravaged by decades of war, disease and unemployment. When the conflict with Indonesia ended in 2002, few teachers were left and the infrastructure was in ruins. Many Timorese children either drop out or never attend school, resulting in continued poverty and a future no different from generations before. Progress is being made in repairing and restoring the nation, but more schools are urgently needed to support the burgeoning young population.
Two years ago, Methodist Missions Society (MMS) missionaries began teaching Timorese children in temporary locations. Today, efforts are underway to establish a permanent Methodist School in eastern Dili District. This school will provide access to quality education in a Christian environment for up to 700 students in grades 1-12. The planned project development cost is US$2.4 million (about S$3.23 million).
Phase 1 will commence in January 2018 and will cost US$1.2 million (about S$1.61 million). This includes acquisition of 3.04 hectares of land and construction of one classroom block, one residential block for boarders and missionaries, and a sheltered area for the canteen and assembly.
Phase 2, scheduled to commence in January 2019, will cost an additional US$1.2 million (S$1.61 million) for more classroom and residential blocks, a chapel, and recreational areas. Future expansion, aligned with student growth and funding, will include an admin block, library, arts and music rooms, and science labs.
The Methodist School curriculum is based on Singapore standards and taught in English. MMS missionaries who are trained educators manage school operations and provide instruction, along with local Christian teachers. Students from poor families are eligible for financial support. In addition to Christian education, The Boys’ Brigade and The Girls’ Brigade serve as essential components of character development and discipline.
John Wesley preached salvation for all, and he urged education for all. He believed that every child, regardless of race, gender, or socio-economic status, matters to God. Our Methodist School offers superior academic instruction supported by Christian values and, most importantly, provides children the opportunity to know Jesus as their Lord and Saviour. Please help us make the vision God has given us for a permanent Methodist School in Timor-Leste a reality!
Your prayers and financial support are needed! Please make your cheque payable to The Methodist Church in Singapore (MMS) and write Methodist School (Timor-Leste) on the back of your cheque. For more information, contact the Rev Teresa Wilborn at 9735-7554 or teresa.wilborn@gmail.com.
*Source: www.livepopulation.com/country/east-timor.html