Linh Nguyen volunteering in Timor-Leste

Venilale Girls Vocational School, Timor-Leste

In addition to the usual academic subjects, the Salesian Sisters' Vocational High School offers courses in cooking, dressmaking and hygiene. In many ways vocational education is more appropriate for a newly-independent nation than the traditional high school system. Students are provided with job-related skills which will increase their employability and value to their village communities.

Previous graduates have already begun income-generating projects including a dress-making business which provides cheap clothes to the villagers and employment to a number of women.

Although Tetum, Portuguese and Bahasa are spoken, many Timorese have identified the importance of English in establishing an effective tourism industry. For the small, young nation the importance of international trade and aid has also increased the value of English to those seeking employment.

Palms Australia received a request for an English teacher to work in the school with students and teachers.

Linh Nguyen

Palms recruited Linh Nguyen to work with the Salesian Sisters to improve the employability of the girls of the region.

Linh has previously worked and volunteered at Lifeline, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, church youth groups and probation and parole.

She has developed a variety of skills in working with people of different cultures and social circumstances and has recently received her Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA).

A letter of recommendation for Linh states "Linh is empathetic, non-judgemental, perceptive and well-rounded. She also possesses strong training and education skills. "

Linh's placement will not be easy but with the assistance of CommUNITY Partners she can make a long-term difference for the people of Timor-Leste.