Recently, we welcomed a group of teachers from Geelong, Melbourne to the Bakhita School of Excellence. They spent a full day with me in Same, learning about the school, our journey, and the broader context of education in the region. As part of their knowledge-gathering visit to Timor-Leste, I took them on a tour of the school and around Same, helping them gain a deeper understanding of life and learning in a rural part of the country.
During their time at the Bakhita School , they also spent some time with our teaching team, engaging in professional conversation and exchanging insights. The dialogue focused on classroom practice, challenges, and the shared passion for teaching that connects educators everywhere.
Most of the day was spent in broader discussions about their ongoing work in Timor and our experiences at the Bakhita School—exploring the similarities, the differences, and the opportunities to learn from one another.
Though the visit was brief, it was meaningful. For our teachers, it was encouraging to connect with colleagues from Australia who also care deeply about education in Timor. For the visitors, it was a chance to see another region and to witness the determination and creativity driving education here in Same.
We are grateful to our colleagues from Geelong for taking the time to join us, share their knowledge, and broaden the conversation about how, together, we can continue to build a brighter future for Timor-Leste through education.