The past few weeks have been an exciting and uplifting time at the Bakhita School of Excellence and the Bakhita English Institute, with a number of special visitors enriching our school community through collaboration, support, and shared purpose.
We were honoured to welcome a specialist medical team from Australia, including Specialist Brea, Dr. Challice, Surgeon Dr. Malcolm, and the wonderful young helpers Sophie and Gus. Their compassion, expertise, and energy were felt across the entire school — not only through the healthcare services they provided, but also through their genuine engagement with our students, staff, and families. Their visit was a reminder of the power of international friendship and the impact skilled professionals can make when communities come together.
We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Richard, our Board Member responsible for Education, for his recent visit. His commitment to quality learning, teacher development, and long-term educational strategy continues to strengthen the foundation on which Bakhita grows.
A warm thank you goes to Teacher and Volunteer Trish, who spent valuable time supporting our teachers in the classroom and working closely with students. Her experience, encouragement, and kindness made a meaningful difference and brought renewed motivation to our teaching team.
We were pleased to welcome CARE Timor-Leste and Lafaek Magazine, who visited our students to collaborate on learning activities, share educational content, and celebrate the strengths of our community. Their engagement highlights the importance of local partnerships in building a holistic and supportive school environment.
Our gratitude also extends to the Portuguese CAFE School, who kindly invited 10 of our students to participate in their end-of-year celebrations. Our students had the opportunity to learn alongside their peers, join activities, and represent Bakhita with pride — an experience they will remember for years to come.
In addition to these visits, we recently welcomed several potential Australian supporters who travelled to Same to learn more about our mission, meet our students, and see first-hand the impact of high-quality, community-centred education in Manufahi. Their interest reflects the growing recognition of the important work happening across our Bakhita campuses.
These visits — from medical specialists, educators, local organisations, and international supporters — remind us that our school is part of a wider community of people who believe in the future of Timor-Leste. Each visitor brings new insights, encouragement, and opportunities, helping us continue building a school that nurtures confidence, learning, health, and hope.