DILI, 13 february 2023 (TATOLI) – The General Director of the Ministry of Social Solidarity and Inclusion (MSSI), Florencio Gonzaga, said that MSSI has provided scholarships to 25 people disabled to continue their studies at the National University of Timor Loro Sa’e (UNTL) from 2020 – to 2023.
“Currently, MSSI has provided scholarships to 25 disabled to continue their university education at UNTL. The number is composed of, 13 disabled men and 12 women. The study focused on inclusive education’ starting in 2020,” said Florencio Gonzaga when interviewed by TATOLI in Timor – Plaza, Dili on Monday.
Gonzaga added that MSSI will continue to work with disabled organizations to offer opportunities for the disabled to continue their university education at UNTL and other private universities in Timor-Leste.
“We wish people of disabled to continue their education, to become independent, and to be able to contribute to developing Timor-Leste together. This scholarship is very crucial for them to have the opportunity for pursuing the science and knowledge because they also have the same capacities as other students,” he said.
Gonzaga explained, all the fees for the 25 disabled students are paid by the MSSI, including the subsidy.
“The 25 disabled students receive subsidies every six months worth $300 for each student and this policy was conducted by the Government to provide the opportunity to disable in TL to receive privileges to achieve gov’t motto ‘leave no one behind,” he said.
At the same place, the Principal Advisor of the President of the Republic, Gaspar Afonso, appreciates gov’t for this scholarship program and asked the MSSI to continue to provide scholarships to other disabled to access education in TL.
“Many disabled in Timor-Leste have the same capacities as the other citizens of Timor – Leste, therefore I ask the MSSI to continue this program by helping them to study at universities to contribute to the national development because their physically disabled but their abilities are not disabled, ” he concluded.\
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Nelia B.
