The great resourcefulness of our people in surviving the last 23 years indicates the enormous human capacity which will be vital in rebuilding our democratic country. ETRA's imnitiatives in education focus on access and equity. We consider it important that women have full opportunities to achieve education and participate fully in Timorese society. And that education is available to all Timorese, including those living in rural areas and those without family financial support. The education sector will also require much rebuilding.
Schools are terribly under-resourced, often lacking even books.
After a Portuguese colonial system, and an Indonesian colonial system, we have much work to do to create an educational system which truly reflects our people's identity and aspirations.