Assistant Dean of Identity | Mr Chris Zammit
Timor week
Justice and Solidarity
This week, as a College Community, we celebrate Timor Week – an opportunity to acknowledge Terrace’s long history of walking in solidarity with our friends in Timor-Leste. It also coincides with the country’s second declaration of independence from Indonesian occupation, 18 years ago on 20 May, or Restoration Independence Day. Through this partnership, we are inspired by stories of triumph through struggle, hope through despair and compassion and forgiveness through great atrocities and loss.
The Christian Brothers began their work in Timor-Leste in 1997 when Brother Dan Courtney (GT 1964) started his missionary work in the villages of Railako-Kraik, Railako-Leten, Samalete, Deleso and Teraso. The Christian Brothers have played a major role in rebuilding this nation ever since. Terrace began its connection with Timor-Leste in 2005 with a Year 10 student Immersion experience. Terrace students returned and spoke about the poverty they witnessed. Deeply impacted by their stories, the boys’ parents formed what is now known as the Terrace Timor Network (TTN). Although the Christian Brothers completed their missionary work in 2018, the TTN continues to support Timor-Leste in the areas of health, education and sustainable economic development.
Justice and Solidarity
We are committed to justice and peace for all, grounded in a spirituality of action and reflection that calls us to stand in solidarity with those who are marginalised and the earth itself.
Our ongoing relationship with Timor-Leste is just one way that we live our touchstone of Justice and Solidarity. Throughout our journey at the College, each person is called to action as we walk together with those in both our local and global communities who are struggling, understanding that we are all in this together. Throughout this time of crisis, we are reminded of the importance of being there for each other, whether near or far, and that when one person suffers, we all suffer. The story of Timor reminds us that justice and peace will be with those who are united and persevere through the toughest of times together.
As the Terrace Family, we stand in solidarity with the Timorese people and join with them in liberating their country beyond struggle and sacrifice and into hope and happiness. Our collective friendship continues today in the small actions of support around the College, whether it be through a cup of Kolega coffee ('Kolega' means friend in Tetum), the purchase of coffee from our TTN, our Years 5 and 6 Lenten Appeal or by deepening our understanding of the struggle of our Timorese friends through conversations and story.
May we always strive to be people of action in our world who forever uphold what is right and just.
Live Jesus in our hearts… Forever!