By Ms Tracey Markovic, Assistant Head of Junior School Operations

After 12 months of excitement, planning and preparing, this year’s trip to Timor-Leste was an extraordinary learning opportunity for all. With a delegation of 24 students accompanied by five dedicated staff members, travellers spent almost two weeks in Timor visiting Dili, Same and the island of Ataúro.

‘Never to. Not for. But with’ has always been the underlying focus of the trip. We do not go to Timor to ‘do’ anything but rather to be ‘with’ the people of Timor. We go to learn from the Timorese. By spending time in schools, attending church, meeting communities to play soccer, and visiting local museums, students were able to learn more about one of Australia's closest neighbours.

Strengthening Existing Ties

Radford has a long-standing relationship with several local communities and educational institutions in Timor-Leste. One of these schools is Fatunaba Memorial School. Radford College has been visiting Fatunaba since 2009. This year students travelled to Dare and met the students and staff and spent time singing, playing games and forming personal connections, laying the groundwork for future collaborations.

Friendships and Connection

The world is an enormous place however at times we are reminded just how small it can be.

Dili, a city of contrasts is always filled with unexpected surprises! From the terrible traffic, hot dusty roads, noisy motorbikes and taxis to the perfectly balanced towers of fruit, people selling the freshest fish and vegetables on bamboo poles, the sights, smells and delights are abundant. Add to all this a joyful moment of running into Maria at the coffee shop. With an incredible warm embrace, old friends are reunited again on the streets where we first met in 2009. Maria Neves has a mighty story and strong connection with Radford College. Each year, Maria would accompany us to Timor-Leste, sharing her personal stories, stories of resilience of her nation and love of her people! We were so blessed to connect with Maria and were absolutely delighted to bump into her – Mrs Tina Crane

We initially met Lena in 2017. She was the owner of a Portuguese restaurant that we had a meal at. Whilst Lena did not know a great deal of English (and I no Portuguese at all), her smile and care was not quickly forgotten. I felt an instant connection that seemed to remain. We saw Lena again in 2018 and 2019. When visiting Dili in 2022 we searched for Lena. Her restaurant had gone, and we could not locate her. In a strange turn of events, Mr Juliao Santos stumbled upon Lena in her new restaurant when were there in 2023. Incredibly it was across the road from our hotel! He spoke with her but as it was late at night, we decided to visit her the next day. As it would happen Lena was not there the next day. She had left and was on her way to Portugal. In April 2024 when on a short trip to Dili, I was walking down the street and saw a familiar face. It was Lena! Hugs. Tears. Joyful smiles. It had been so long, but as soon as we saw each other it was like no time had passed at all. We promised to find her when we returned in the winter holidays. When we arrived in Dili I tried to find Lena again. I went to her restaurant however she was not there. I was informed that she was at home sleeping and would return at 7 pm. Mr Santos and I popped back to the restaurant in the evening and found her sitting with her friends outside. My heart was overcome! I tapped her on the shoulder and when she recognised me tears welled up in her eyes and she hugged me tightly. I am so pleased I went that night. In a wonderful case of serendipity Lena told me that she was leaving the next day to travel to Ataúro and then to Portugal. I am so pleased I took the time to go and see her – Ms Tracey Markovic

Timor is about building relationships and connection. Our stories of Lena and Maria are testaments to this.

Meeting Mario and Joas again after 7 years – Anvi Gupta and Josh Miller

Being students who have been at Radford our whole lives we have been beyond lucky to have had many experiences which led to our decisions to apply for the Timor trip. One of the main reasons was meeting with Joas and Mario in 2017, which shaped our perceptions and knowledge of Timor and the trip.

Year 4 turned to Year 11 so quickly, yet the one thing I clearly remember from 2017 was meeting Joas and (Super) Mario for the first time in Australia. In Year 4, talking and doing activities with Mario and Joas was the thing that began my interest in Timor and the eventual opportunity I would have to go on the Timor trip.

Now, being in Year 11, I am beyond grateful that I was able to partake in the 2024 Timor trip and see the two men who inspired me to apply. Both Joas and Mario greeted me and the other students they met in Year 4 so warmly, as they remembered each and every one of us, which speaks volumes about how much they care, which touched my heart immensely.

In Year 4 I gave both Joas and Mario t-shirts which I had drawn on as mementos and coming to Timor this year and seeing that both of them had kept their shirts and that they were in pristine condition, staying completely white despite the overwhelming dust of Dili, meant so much to me.

Simply being able to reconnect with Joas and Mario opened my eyes to the importance of building and maintaining these relationships. Simply, I would like to say a thank you from the bottom of my heart to Joas and Mario for teaching me so much about Timor and Timorese culture. Without having met these two incredible men in 2017 I don’t know if I would grasp the importance of these trips and wouldn't have applied — thank you Joas and Mario – Anvi Gupta

I met Mario and Joas for the first time in 2017 when I was 10 years old. Spending time with them and hearing their stories is one of the main reasons I always wanted to go on the Timor-Leste trip. Being able to have the opportunity to travel to see them again makes me feel very blessed for the opportunities I’ve had. I am grateful I was able to firstly connect with Mario and Joas in Australia and from that meeting be inspired to go to Timor this year.

After all the time that had passed Mario and Joas remembered us. It showed me how much of an impact we must have had on them as well. I know they had a huge impact on me and I’m glad they did. Visiting Timor and seeing them again reminded me of why I was truly there – it was because of people like Mario and Joas who just have the most amazing life stories and are both hard workers and just wonderful down to earth people and always smiling.

While we were staying at Barry’s place I spent most nights talking with Joas and we talked about when we went out to lunch together and the memories of that and how both our lives have gone from there. I got to learn about all the amazing things he does in the community and how excited he was to see us. When in Timor we were set to play a soccer game against a local team, and we asked if he wanted to play on the Australian side. He said yes and joined us!

It shows that for Joas life is not about just making money every day by working. Taking time out to spend with us is also important and having him there with us meant so much to all of us – Josh Miller

Building New Relationships

A significant highlight of the Timor Travels 2024 was the establishment of new partnerships. Our group visited the AHHA school in Same and spent a day and a half learning with the students who attended. The students who attend the AHHA School range in age from 17 – 25.

Camilla is a 17-year-old girl with strong ambitions to travel to Australia to continue her study of architecture. She has four siblings who all go to the AHHA school alongside her that we also met and bonded with. She has done most of her education at this school, and is now fluent in English, Portuguese and Tetum.

Camilla is bright and eager to learn something new every day. She showed lots of interest in the lives of the Radford students and has told us she will meet up with us when she makes it to Australia. We wish Camilla the best and hope to see her again soon.

Our group also visited Kantina Matak, a canteen that is located on the grounds of the Presidential Palace that feeds over 300 school students per day. Students engaged with primary aged students by singing, dancing and playing games. The smiles on everyone’s faces said everything. No words were needed. – Coco Guenther

Basket Weaving

Old fishing line and rope is a common sight on the beach at Barry’s Place. Collecting it and repurposing it to make baskets is something that can be easily done. While visiting Barry’s Place, I met Lunicia and Ansi and showed them how to take what would usually be deemed as rubbish and make it into something beautiful.

They spent some time while I was there making their own baskets and are looking forward to seeing if they can make some to sell at the local markets. – Ms Tracey Markovic

Personal Growth and Development

For many students, travelling to Timor-Leste was more than an educational trip; it was a transformative experience. Spending time in a different cultural setting challenged everyone to step out of their comfort zones, develop resilience, and enhance their problem-solving skills. We have all returned with a broader perspective on the world, a renewed sense of hope, and a lot of questions and feelings that may take time to be fully understood.

Looking Ahead

The success of Timor Travels 2024 sets a promising precedent for future trips. The personal relationships made during this trip will continue to grow and flourish. The College has already started planning for next year's trip.

As we reflect on the journey, we celebrate the spirit of adventure, learning, and unity that our travels to Timor embodies. It is a testament to what can be achieved when we come together with open hearts and minds, ready to learn and eager to contribute. We look forward to many more journeys of discovery and friendship in the years to come.

The 2024 Timor Travels Blog can be found here.