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.

Cidalia  is the latest child to be sponsored. She lives in Bebonuk with her three siblings and her parents who work as housekeepers/gardeners. Thanks to sponsorship, she is part of the Creating Leaders Scholarship program and is able to study at Externato Sao Jose, where her favourite subject at school is Biology. When she graduates she dreams of becoming a Journalist.

Outside of school, she enjoys playing basketball and singing in a choir.

One of the Scholarship ‘s Guiding Principles is that the children are encouraged to use this opportunity to assist others where possible. Already Cidalia is practicing this by teaching other children to read. She is such an inspiring student to have in the program.

Cidalia has also greatly enjoys gathering with the other Creating Leader’s Scholarship students and is excited about further meetings with her ‘Order of Malta family’.

Sponsoring a child like Cidalia costs $70 a month

Want to learn more about Creating Leaders? Visit our Creating Leaders page or download the Creating Leaders Brochure