Congratulations to our graduating Creating Leaders students, Maria, Lucio, Agario, and Valeria who have just finished their final national examinations.

These students joined the Creating Leaders program in 2022 and have shown great commitment to their studies. They are extremely grateful for the opportunities the scholarship program has given them and are confident that the opportunities that an education has given them will enable them to have a bright future, that will also benefit the development of their country.

They all plan to continue their education, and we asked them to share their next steps with us:

Valeria

As a graduate for the class of 2024, ready to enter university level, I have a strong desire to study abroad. Currently, I am applying for scholarship opportunities to study overseas to study Biotechnology.

The Biotechnology faculty focuses on the development and application of technology in relation to living organisms. This field teaches various aspects of Biotechnology, including techniques to manipulate organisms and biological systems to create products that benefit human life, such as medicine, food, and environmental solutions. My reasons for choosing this faculty are, first, that it is based on biology, a subject I enjoy, and second, that it is a rare field that few people choose. I am passionate about learning more about technology, biology, and chemistry, and understanding how technology can connect with biology to create innovations that can benefit human life.

To me, this field will be highly valuable in the future, especially in Timor-Leste, because it can produce professionals focused on areas such as agriculture, pharmacy, and more. In Timor-Leste, Biotechnology would be particularly useful in agriculture, as many people in rural areas depend on it.

Agario

After completing my studies, I decided to seek scholarship opportunities. I was fortunate to come across several opportunities, particularly through PBI, which provided me with valuable information about universities in Indonesia offering scholarships for Timorese students. This inspired me to pursue a scholarship, allowing me to study abroad and return to contribute to the development of our beloved nation.

The field I aspire to study is Economics and Development, which focuses on advancing the nation across various sectors and promoting harmony within communities. This field also emphasizes economic aspects that are crucial for national development, such as industry and other key areas. I believe this field is vital for the future of Timor-Leste, as it aligns with the goal of driving the nation’s progress. Therefore, I am eager to pursue this faculty and contribute to Timor’s development in the years to come.

Maria

If I am fortunate enough to receive a scholarship to continue my studies abroad, I would like to pursue a course in Dermatology, as this course is not yet available in Timor. My reason for choosing this course is to gain knowledge in skin care because I personally suffer from skin allergies, such as eczema. This motivates me to take up this course so I can extend my knowledge and provide better care for patients with skin problems. The course I have chosen could also benefit my country by establishing a dermatology clinic for those who need it.

Lucio

I intend to continue to study at the university level and am deciding between a course in Sports or Agriculture.

I have a strong interest in learning more about sports activities and wish to help develop sports in our country. I believe that studying Sports would benefit our health and teach people how to live healthily and practice physical exercise.

I am also considering studying Agriculture because, agriculture and animal husbandry need significant development in our country. Studying Agriculture will help us understand how to take good care of plants and crops and also how to focus on livestock. This knowledge is especially important so we can give it the priority it deserves.

Thank you also to the project donors who have enabled these children, and others still in the program, to complete their education and the opportunities this will now give them.

Sponsoring a child in the Creating Leaders Program costs $100 per month and is tax deductible for Australian taxpayers – Learn more