DILI, 17 august 2021 (TATOLI) – Around 50 percent of students of the Dili University (UNDIL) had been registered to receive the Emergency Relief Fund from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Culture (MESSK).
According to the monitoring team from the MESSK’s, UNDIL had reached 50 percent of its preparation for the execution of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund.
“I can say that UNDIL follows the criteria and all goes well. UNDIL had registered more than 50 percent of its students to receive the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund,” Luis Aparicio Guterres, the National Director of the Curriculum of Higher Education, told TATOLI, at UNDIL campus, in Dili, on Monday.
At the same place, the Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, Francisco Martins da Silva informed that 50 percent represents 3000 students, who had completed the registration for accessing the relief fund.
“According to the dispatch of the MESSK, each student would receive up to US$150, but it depends on the programs or department of each university. For instance, at UNDIL, health faculty students are eligible to receive US$150 because their major fee is over US$ 300 per semester. While for those students whose university’s fee is US$130 then they will receive that amount,” said Silva.
He said the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund would cover the university fee for one semester: “It is said that this relief fund would be implemented in the next semester as well, but it depends on the policy of the government.”
“I think this is a fantastic program. It is part of the responsibility of the government to look after its citizens, particularly the students during this difficult time. I can say that this support is critical for the student because we have been experiencing an economic downturn due to Covid-19, placing many families’ economy in difficulties,” said Silva.
In addition, Martins said UNDIL had resumed its teaching and learning activities on august 16, a week after MESSK decided on reopening universities on August 9.
“We resume the teaching and learning activities a week later because we need to prepare all the conditions to meet the criteria of the Ministry of Health,” added Silva.
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Nelia Borges Rosario
