Creating Leaders is an Order of Malta scholarship program in Timor-Leste. The Scholarships support underprivileged children, many of whom are orphans, to participate in formal continuing education.

We recently received a letter from one of our Creating Leaders ‘graduates’ Maria, who is now studying medicine at university in Portugal. She is a wonderful example of what the children in the scholarship are able to achieve and we have shared her letter below – I hope you find it inspiring!

Dear Order of Malta,

First of all, I would like to thank you for every help you gave me since my 10th grade.

Since my arrival here in Lisbon, everything changed. I had to learn how to be more independent and it was difficult, being far from home, from family, friends and Dili’s environment. So, the first weeks were the hardest ones.

My first semester was the worst because it was my first time facing college life and to be among some of the best students in Portugal made me feel some pressure. But what made me overcome all this was the affection I received from the older students and some professors which it helped me a lot. So, my first semester went fast and now I’m facing 2nd semester’s season. This semester is calmer.

During my studies here, I participate in some school events, one of them is “Hospital da Bonecada” (“Toy’s hospital”). It’s an event organised by the college students’ association that aims to “take the children’s’ fear of the white coat” by giving consultations to their dolls. And in another way, this helped me getting closer to a “doctor’s life”.

Concluding, it’s difficult but I’m going in the right direction and that’s all that matters.

And I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t have your help. So, once again, thank you!

Sincerely,

Maria Sarmento

Interested in learning more about our Creating Leaders Scholarships? Download our  Creating Leaders Brochure