DILI, 13 october 2023 (TATOLI) – Eight households living in the Bidau Acadiruhun schoolyard since 1999 refused to move out because of the delay in compensation.
The school’s assistant principal, André Gusmão, said that they had already asked these families to leave, but they refused and continued to live and carry out daily activities in the school’s courtyard.
“We want them to move out as soon as possible, as their presence and daily activities disrupt the teaching and learning process at this school,” Gusmão told Tatoli.
He said that the presence of these families in the schoolyard had prevented the construction of the new building of the school.
Ana Maria do Rego, the Representative of the eight Households said: “The Ministry of Education has always promised us compensation, but it hasn’t kept its promise and we will continue to live here until we receive it.”
“We agreed to leave this place, but at least the government must fulfill its promise to compensate us. At least we get some money to transport our stuff back to our municipalities, because we have no other places in Dili to stay and live,” she said.
“Hopefully, the Education Ministry will consider our request to put an end to this problem.”
The Ministry of Education has planned the construction of a new building with 15 classrooms to facilitate teaching and learning at the school.
More than 2,000 students are currently enrolled at Bidau Acadiruhun Primary School with 41 teachers.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
