Creating Leaders Alumni update – Pascoal
Creating Leaders is an Order of Malta scholarship program in Timor-Leste that has been running for over 10 years and supports underprivileged children to participate in formal continuing education.
One of our Creating Leaders Alumni, Pascoal (pictured), since graduating from teh program has started his own business and is applying for scholarships to continue his studies.
“My name is Pascoal, and I joined the Creating Leaders program in 2014 and graduated in 2018 after finishing my secondary education at Casait School in Liquisa.The Creating Leaders program has been incredibly significant to me because it has helped my family financially to support my studies.
After completing my secondary education, I began my studies at the university, but they were disrupted by the Covid pandemic, so I was unable to finish my degree. Subsequently, I and my friends decided to start our own private company in Dili, offering tour guide services. Our company has two main focuses: education and tourism. We assist international visitors in experiencing Timor-Leste by showing them its historical resistance sites, schools, and museums.
Last year, I applied for the YSEALI Academic Fellowship and had the opportunity to represent Timor-Leste in the United States. It was a great honour to participate in the program alongside students from other nations, where we shared insights on economic development. I am truly grateful for being chosen as a representative of Timor-Leste in the U.S.
This year, I have applied for a scholarship in Cambodia, and if successful, I will continue my studies there. I am scheduled to begin in June or July.
Finally, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks for the financial support provided to my family.”
Related posts:
Creating Leaders Alumni update – Amalia
Good luck to our Creating Leaders students who are sitting final exams
Creating Leaders Alumni update – a student passionate about medicine.
Creating Leaders Alumni update – studying Computer Science at university
In Timor-Leste, 23% of secondary age children in Timor-Leste are not in school and there is a clear income disparity between those who have completed schooling versus those who have not. On average, one more year of education in brings a 10 per cent increase in an individual’s earnings. Each additional year is associated with an 18 per cent higher gross domestic product per capita.
The Creating Leaders scholarships provide not only the payment of school fees, but other assistance and support to help the children overcome barriers that might prevent their participation in education, such as transport, uniforms and meals.