It is not a gift to be successful at University, but an effort and sacrifice. Everybody dreams of being successful, but success needs commitment. Let us meet Centro Chega’s first scholarship recipient, who pursued his Bachelor’s Degree in higher education.
Ernesto Mendonca was born on March 6, 1998, in Debos, Suai, Covalima. He is the beloved son of Onorio Amaral (deceased) and Livonia Mendonca. Ernesto has five siblings: two sisters and three brothers. He is the eldest son, followed by Manuel Amaral, Ireneu Zuswanto Piter Mendonça, Sandra Daresureção, and Aquila Daresureção.
From 2007 to 2012, Ernesto attended the Goronto Branch of the Basic Primary School. He then studied at Ladi Junior High School from 2013 to 2015. Between 2016-2018, he attended a public secondary school in Suai-Covalima. From 2019 to 2024, he enrolled in the Instituto Ciência da Saúde (ICS) / (Health Science Institute), where he studied in the Nursing Department of the Faculty of Health and achieved a final grade of 3.22.
In 2018, after Ernesto finished secondary school, he shared his personal story about his dream of becoming a pilot. However, he did not study at a pilot school; he finally studied at the Medical Institute. He said, “I spoke with my parents in advance and requested to pursue my higher education after graduating from secondary school. However, my parents remained silent because they could not afford the school fees. In the following days, we sat around the table, and with tears in my eyes, I looked into my dad’s eyes and repeatedly told him, ‘I want to pursue my higher education, Dad.’ Finally, early morning, my dad called and said to me, ‘Get ready with your personal belongings and head to Dili to continue your study.” Said Ernesto to Chega! Media recently.
Many barriers were faced during the six-year journey of studying at ICS. There was no residing permanently, and the people he stayed with treated him poorly. He emphasized, “When I came from Suai to live with family in Dili, I did not stay long because I could see the potential problems that might arise among us. So, I decided to leave and stay with my brother. He told me that I could stay for just one or two months, and I managed to stay for the full two months before moving again. After that, I rented a boarding house for about five months but had to leave as my father could no longer support the monthly fee. Ultimately, I decided to stay with my uncle, who lives near the river, until I finished my degree.”
Ernesto received a Scholarship from Centro Chega! I.P
Ernesto Mendonça was awarded a scholarship from Centro Nacional Chega! I.P. for 2021-2024 while he pursued his studies at ICS. This scholarship program known as “The Supporting Scholarships for the Most Vulnerable Victims or Survivors,” is designed to help students pursue their education at national higher education institutions. He explained that this scholarship has been helpful for his studies, especially since he was in his fourth semester and felt discouraged about continuing his studies. His parents could no longer support his tuition fees, but the scholarship from Centro Nacional Chega! I.P. has enabled him to pursue his academic studies at ICS.
The Centro Chega! Provides study subsidies to the children of survivors, enabling them to pursue higher education and secure their future well-being. In 2021, CNC I.P. awarded scholarships to 11 recipients, with Ernesto Mendonça being the first to pursue an undergraduate degree. Additionally, in 2024, CNC I.P. partnered with the Human Capital Development Funds (HCDF) to offer scholarships to 14 more children of survivors who are currently studying at universities. In total, including the scholarship recipients from Centro Chega! and FDCH/HCDF, there are 25 recipients. Currently, 24 recipients are studying in public and private universities and/or institutions.
The study subsidies that Centro Chega! offered are based on the recommendations of CAVR-Chega! Concerning the reparation of victims of past political conflicts. These recommendations urge the government to guarantee the well-being of war victims for 24 years following the liberation of the homeland. Specifically, “Reparation 12.12” requests that the state of Timor-Leste provide scholarships for the children of victims who lack access to education, including primary, secondary, and higher education, due to economic difficulties.
Furthermore, the goal of Centro Chega! is to offer scholarships to the children of survivors, as education has the power to enhance the well-being of the people to concretize and reach all potencies increasing economy and national growth. A vision is that every child will attend school, gain access to high-quality education, and lead healthy lives, allowing them to contribute to the nation’s development.
