DILI, 23 march 2022 (TATOLI) – With a view to ensuring quality in higher education, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Culture (MoHESC), through the Human Capital Development Fund (HCDF) offered a scholarship (Bolsa Hakbi’it) of US$120 per month to 350 students from economically backward families who have admitted to studying at various majors of the Lorosa’e National University (UNTL).
The award is given to those who have been admitted to UNTL with the highest marks from high schools.
Of the 350 awardees, 70 from Ainaro, 66 from RAEOA, 42 from Ermera, 28 from Baucau, 23 from Bobonaro, 20 from Dili, 17 from Viqueque, 16 from Manatuto, 15 each from Covalima, and Manufahi, 14 from Aileu, 13 from Lautem, and 11 from Liquiça municipality.
Each beneficiary would receive US$120 per month, covering tuition fees, living costs, uniforms costs, etc.
João Martins, the Rector of UNTL called on the awardees to use the scholarship money properly to graduate on time: “Prevent yourselves from engaging in criminal and violent activities because if you do then your scholarship will be terminated.”
“I would like to congratulate the beneficiaries of the Hakbi’it scholarship. More than 6.000 students applied for this scholarship, and you are the selected ones to receive the scholarship,” Martins told reporters at UNTL Campus, in Hera, Dili, today.
At the same place, the Executive Director of HCDF, Cristovão dos Reis said that since the establishment of HCDF in 2011, the Government of Timor-Leste had allocated more than US$150 million to HCDF to invest in human capital development.
In 2021, more than 800 students from UNTL were awarded the Hakbi’it Scholarship. This year, HCDF had planned to offer the same scholarship to more than 1.000 students who are currently studying at UNTL.
Resi said 54 lecturers from Timor-Leste’s private universities would also be benefited from the CHDF to continue their studies with a Master’s degree in Portugal.
“In addition, this year, 30 people will continue their study in Portugal under CHDF’s merit-based scholarship. Five will do their master’s degree and 25 will do their bachelor’s degree,” he added.
Since its establishment in 2011, CHDF has sent 6.401 Timorese people to study overseas. Of the number, 4.184 beneficiaries had concluded their studies and returned home. Meanwhile, seven students died while doing their studies abroad, and 269 students’ scholarships were canceled and terminated before concluding their studies. Currently, 1.941 students are still studying overseas.
Of those who have returned home, 3.328 have been employed in public and private institutions, while 826 hadn’t got a job.
Therefore, The Constitution of the Republic of Timor-Leste article 59 (education and culture) describes that 1. The State recognizes and guarantees citizens the right to education and culture, responsible for creating a public system of universal, compulsory and, to the extent of its possibilities, free of charge, under the terms of the law.
2. Everyone has the right to equal opportunities for education and professional training; 3. The State recognizes and supervises private and cooperative education; 4. The State must guarantee to all citizens, according to their abilities, access to the highest levels of teaching, scientific research and artistic creation.
5. Everyone has the right to cultural enjoyment and creation, as well as the duty to preserve, defend and enhance cultural heritage
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Rafy Belo
