Former Timor-Leste President speaks to Timorese Defence Force English language students
13 August 2014
Members of the Timor-Leste Defence Force’s English Language Program (ELP), sponsored by the Australian Defence Force, hosted former President of Timor-Leste, Dr José Ramos-Horta as guest speaker at their training centre in Metinaro, 45 minutes’ drive outside of Dili.
Dr Ramos-Horta discussed his life; living overseas in Australia and New York prior to the restoration of independence and the achievements made in Timor-Leste over the last 15 years. He highlighted the importance of possessing language skills, not just in speaking English but other languages common in Timor-Leste such as Portuguese and Indonesian, which can open doors to work and study overseas.
Dr Ramos-Horta said he was proud of the language abilities of the Timorese people and urged the students to work hard to take advantage of their English language opportunities.
“You can learn English to get into Harvard University but you will still have to study,” he urged the group, who benefitted from the occasion as English language listening practice and to hear from such an eminent Timor-Leste statesman.
Dr Ramos-Horta also discussed the importance of possessing integrity while striving to achieve academic success. He said that his vision is for every member of timor-Leste's defence force, the F-FDTL, to have at least a bachelor level or technical qualification to use after their time in the military.
Dr Ramos-Horta reflected on his latest challenge of supporting the recent national elections in Guinea-Bissau, as Special Representative to the UN Secretary-General to promote an inclusive political process. He described how he engaged opposing sides in dialogue to lower political tension in the country.
The ELP is an important component of Australia’s Defence Cooperation Program (DCP) which is designed to develop F-FDTL members’ language knowledge, skills and attitude towards study that has enabled graduates to participate in training and education in English speaking nations, take part in combined exercises and contribute to United Nations peace operations in the Middle-East and Africa.
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Major Gabrielle Prideaux, Australian Language Adviser at the ELP with Dr Ramos-Horta. |
Dr Ramos-Horta presented to a packed room of new and former intermediate level English students at the English Language Training Centre (ELTC) in Metinaro. |
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Dr Ramos-Horta with and ELP staff and students. |
Assistant Defence Attaché, Lieutenant Colonel Sam Pickering with Dr Ramos-Horta at an afternoon tea following the lecture. |
