Díli – (25th of April 2024), Former Prime Minister Dr. Marí Bim Amude Alkatiri asked young people in Timor-Leste and abroad to learn, familiarize and acknowledge the fighting independence history because it was not an offering. It was a significant sacrifice as many people lost their lives, families, and things to defend that dead or alive – it must be self-independence.
“I ask the young people to think it – fighting for independence was a huge sacrifice – I am telling it.” Said Former Prime Minister Marí Bin Amude Alkatiri, in his remark at the national conference on “50 years of Historical Moment on April 25, Decolonization in Timor-Leste between 1974-1775” to commemorate 50th Anniversary of the Carnation Revolution held at the Conference Room, Old Prison Balide, Dili.
He affirmed that with these sacrifices, “young people must acknowledge the history. It is essential and must be real history. We might have each of our memories but history treatment – not us, it might be the treatment of the history-writer”.
On the same occasion, Hugo Maria Fernandes, the Executive Director of Centro Nacional Chega!I.P, argued that Timor-Leste is having immense challenges with history as young people are the generation who are disinterested in continuing the history of the past. It is the real obstacle in Timor, and we cannot blame them. It is due to our history not introduce systematically under the teaching curriculum. Our educational policy does not provide the opportunity to create various narratives and perspectives on the history of Timor-Leste. Additionally, in Secondary School, students in grades 16-19 learn European history. In Secondary Schools of Vocational Training, there is even no Timor-Leste History lesson. It proves that we have serious problems – We must solve this together.
Director Hugo added, “I would like to share this concern along with you to help Centro Chega!, the Ministry of Education, and the government to redefine the educational policy of Timor-Leste to build a society. Henceforth, we desire to build a society that is proud that Timor-Leste has an identity. I do believe that flowers can grow in the prison.”
(Media CNC)