At Assumption College, we follow the motto Quae Supra Quaere – seek the things that are above. For our co-curricular program, that takes on many meanings.
We provide students with creative and competitive outlets that define a celebration of talent, skill, perseverance and fellowship.
In every form of expression and in every sport, we reach for the things that are above. We continually grow and meet new challenges. Side-by-side, we learn from every defeat, victory and breakthrough.
And, from within, we look beyond ourselves and our community to attain an understanding of society as a whole – not as passive observers but as active participants.
That’s Social Justice at Assumption College. Students examine issues in both rural and urban areas, with opportunities to take part in initiatives that benefit society.
Our goal is to prepare students for life beyond the Assumption campus. Social Justice is integral to achieving this – instilling young thinkers and doers with a sense of community and societal responsibility.
The result? An engaging platform that fosters compassion, confidence and character.
A little over 600 kilometers off the coast of Darwin lies the picturesque island of Timor-Leste. To the traveller, Timor-Leste is paradise, girdled by coral reefs teeming with exotic marine life. Its turquoise beaches and white shores are flanked by mountains that are draped in a curtain of green. However, beyond its striking natural beauty, is a history steeped in colonialism, conflict, and ultimately, independence. Colonised by Portugal in the 16th century, East Timor, as it was known then, remained under Portugal’s control for over 400 years. The influence of four centuries of colonisation on the country’s political, social, cultural and religious landscape was significant, shaping the nation’s identity. Portuguese is one of Timor-Leste’s official languages alongside Tetum while Catholicism, introduced by Portuguese missionaries, remains the dominant religion on the island. However, following Portugal’s withdrawal in 1975, the Indonesian government led a brutal invasion of the country. The next quarter century was marked by violent conflict and war-crimes. Over 100-thousand people lost their lives, either through bloodshed, starvation or disease. Many more were forced to flee their villages. In 1999, the voice of the people reached the global stage, compelling a UN-administered referendum where an overwhelming majority voted for independence. The UN took over interim administration of the country and prepared the nation for independence. During this transitional period, Indonesia launched the scorched earth policy, leaving a wave of destruction on their way out. Virtually every building in the capital, Dili, was razed to the ground. Villages were obliterated and electricity generation and supply left in disrepair. The education system bore the brunt of the destruction. Schools were demolished. Teachers who were either Indonesian or Indonesian sympathisers, left following the referendum. Yet, amid the ruins, an independent, proud nation emerged in 2002.
Assumption College, in conjunction with the Australian Marist Solidarity, has undertaken a series of educational projects in Timor-Leste since the early 2000s. Through our contributions, we have been able to build schools such as St Terezinha Primary School in the village of Quelicai and training of teachers in the district of Baucau. The physical construction of buildings facilitated and sponsored by Assumption College is a symbol of a deeper and more important building of relationships, values and beliefs between the two nations.
We are currently fundraising to build new classrooms in the village of Kulugia, in the mountain regions of the Baucau district. The dilapidated classrooms have been identified by the educational leaders in Baucau as the greatest need of all the schools in their region. Our aim is to help this village provide their children with brand new school classrooms and toilet facilities. Over the coming weeks, we will have many different events and ways you can show your support, including our Assumption Day fete on 14 of August and Trivia Night on the 29th of August. The people of Timor-Leste stand tall. And our support must never be one of arrogance, pity or paternalism. Rather as Aboriginal elder, activist and educator - Lilla Watson once said, “If you have come to help me, you are wasting your time. But if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together.” Your generosity, support and awareness will help shape the lives of many children in Timor Leste.
