Hai, I’m a girl, my complete name is Maria Lurdes Gusmao Goncalves. I was born at Atabae on 22nd of September in 1985. Now I’m 22 years old. My hobbies are reading, laughing and watching the TV, and listening to the music especially the pop music and disco dancing.

I have a big family, six brother and two sister. My father is a good man, he is working in administration office of Government and my mother is very good lady especially for her all children. She is a teacher.

I live with my grandfather he is a teacher and my grandmother is a housewife. I stayed with them since I was a baby until now, I’m very loving them also my all family.

I started at school in 1992 at Elementary School and finished it in 1998. I have to continuo to junior high school for 1 year, and stopped it because of the situation of my country is very bad so we must be refugeed to West Timor (Atambua) for several months. So I didn’t want to continuo my study in Atambua until I went back to my country.

I finished my junior high school in 2002 and continuo to senior high school in Dili for 3 years. I graduated from one of the Catholic school in Dili, and to have registration my self at University but I study just for 6 months and stopped it, because it’s very expensive to pay. So I was looking for a course and I did I have course at World Vision during 6 months, I got many skills and experience about the administration and accounting.

While I’m waiting for get or receive my certificate my Father told to me that in Atabae had a job vacancy for position Health Manager and that work is a part of Health. So I doubt it to apply but because of the supported by my Father I apply it, and got the position. I’m not sure will be accept the job but my Father told me that you must have responsability, and try a new thing.

So I start to work. Slowly but it’s still difficult to me. I try very hard to work, to learn, to study from Mother Margareth and another people, at another place like Bairo Pite Clinic. So now I have confidence to work and I enjoy it. But I must be have more study.

Since the Australian Organisation like PALMS/FPET, Conect East Timor who gave their support and help to us we worked with them, we are very gratefull to them.

Their support is very kind like Sponsor Father with family who gave they are supporting to Maria Regina and her family, and especially to Lorette College’s who gave the help for the babies who need help by now.

I am very happy work with them and thank you very much to PALMS/FPET Australia, Conect East Timor and Lorette College. We always pray for you all the time.

INDEX OF NEWS AND OTHER STORIES