Dili, July 11, 2025 – During the 8th Anniversary of Centro Chega! on “Collective Memories Path to Reconciliation,” held at Centro Chega!, 10 children of the survivors—Januario Gomes, Domingos Coliac Barreto de Carvalho, Flora de Jesus Moniz, João Oscar Fendi Cono Maniquin, Lelia da Costa Soares, Graziela Marcal Amaral, Fortunato Lobo, Chelin Santos Pereira Amaral, Jose Joanico Artur Carvalho Sarmento Freitas, and Lelinha Baquita Pereira de Jesus Saldanha—signed scholarship contract agreements with Centro Nacional Chega! I.P., Executive Director Hugo Maria Fernandes, and Human Capital Development Funds (FDCH), Executive Director Júlio Aparicio. This initiative aimed to provide them support to pursue their higher education in Dili, including at Universidade Nacional Timor Lorosa’e (UNTL), Universidade da Paz (UNPAZ), Universidade Oriental Timor Lorosa’e (UNITAL), Instituto Superior Cristal (ISC), Dili Institute of Technology (DIT), and Institute of Business (IOB). Moreover, Centro Chega! also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with UNITAL, focusing on education and implementing the Chega! Module. Another MoU with the French Cooperation focused on education and culture.
At the same occasion, Vice Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Aderito Hugo da Costa represented the Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers to launch Centro Chega!’s 2024 Annual Report and three Impact Assessment Reports on education and training, Centro Chega!’s work from 2017-2020, and Temporary Reparative Measures. Members of the government, the Diplomatic Corps, Youth Resistance, Civil Society Organizations, and the Timorese Reconciliation Process Task Force participated in the ceremony.
In addition, Hugo Maria Fernandes spoke about the importance of the ceremony and thanked the partners, government, and state for 8 years of support, stating that there have been “untold important achievements, which are considered great progress.” He also presented the progress made in 2024, such as the Centro Chega! preserving memories and establishing five Memorial Museums in Manatuto, Viqueque, Aileu, Covalima, and Bobonaro. This year, Centro Chega! will establish 1 more museum in Manufahi. A redevelopment of the Museum Chega!; Centro Chega! provided houses to 26 survivors; Scholarships for the children of survivors – as a result, one scholarship holder has graduated from the Health Science Program, among other accomplishments.
Two weeks ago, Centro Chega! submitted the Concept Note on Reparation to the Vice Minister of Parliamentary Affairs to present to the Council of Ministers, urging the state of Timor-Leste to provide certificates of recognition to the victims and survivors affected by the conflict from 1974 to 1999.
In addition, Júlio Aparicio stressed three essential words (Dead, Alive, and Self-Determination) to CNC I.P. First, when the word “dead” is heard, it means that we are free from hardships, suffering, crying, and sadness. Our present capacity to address these sufferings directly results from the sacrifices made by many in pursuit of self-determination. I urged everyone to work selflessly; as long as you do so, you will feel how alive you are. Second, give thanks for our lives as we still narrate our history. However, with the death of people, we gained our freedom. Hence, we cannot say it’s my life, but it’s our lives. We recognize our lives when others feel happy with us. If we stand by saying, “I am alive, I am so powerful in doing everything,” – it is not life. We must define it. Our lives are only defined by others to discover, as they are our final points; they are the trunk and roots. Third, self-determination means being independent, standing firm, being free, living peacefully, and being in harmony. We refuse to be ruled by others—our strength comes from ourselves. This is the essence of true independence, in life and death. This land is ours; let us move beyond the past and build our future. Together, we must resolve conflicts and light the way for a brighter Timor-Leste.
“The funds are available for everyone to use for a better future. Therefore, we believe that to our younger brothers and sisters (scholarship holders), once you have signed, you are encouraged to use these funds wisely, as you will return one day to develop this land,” said Júlio.
Meanwhile, during the ceremony, the Instituto São João de Brito (ISJB) Group from Liquica and the 5 D’Oriente Band entertained with poems and live music performances.
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