Dili, 15 May 2025 – The Division of Preservation and Memorialization (DPM) of Centro Chega! held a Simulation Workshop on accessing historical documents at the Archives Center for 80 university students from Instituto São João de Brito (ISJB), Universidade Oriental Timor Lorosa’e (UNITAL), Universidade Dili (UNDIL), and Universidade da Paz (UNPAZ). The workshop aimed to deepen their understanding of the documents preserved at the Chega! Archives, enhance their skills in using this primary research, and explore how to access the documents within the archives.
The workshop included various activities focused on the role of archivists, a Chega! Tour to Balide Prison exhibitions, discussions among students, and an archive research simulation based on specific themes. Interactive games were also part of the program to help students better comprehend the Chega! Archives access process.
In his opening remarks, Hugo Maria Fernandes, Executive Director of Centro Nacional Chega!I.P., highlighted that the archives contain over 50,000 documents, including key evidence from principal court trials. These records are crucial for understanding transitional justice, which involves the right to know about past events through declarations and reports, as well as student discussions and reparations for victims. Transitional justice plays a vital role in establishing collective memories regarding the people’s experiences from 1974-1999.
“As you see, the historical Archive’s importance has various utilities. The form of truth serves as evidence in the judicial process. Therefore, its importance is to form the collective memories within the societies,” the Director argued.
Yazalde Manaka, Director of DPM, explained that the purpose of this activity was to introduce students to the Historical Archives Collections of Centro Chega!, providing them with clear information and encouraging them to utilize the archives as primary sources for their university projects and scientific research.
“The Centro Chega! Archives preserved the declaration documents of the victims of human rights during the past conflict, and the documents collected by Centro Chega! Itself through research. Why do students and the public need to know the Archive Center? – It is because a better future can be built by learning history,” he added.
Manaka expected that the students would explore more about the history where human rights are to be upheld, ultimately contributing to the building of a better and more inclusive society.
Chega! Media
Read: Tetum Version
