After years of consultation and planning and with the return of Colégio de São José to the Diocese of Dili, the Society of Jesus has decided to establish an educational institute in Timor Leste.

The proposed institute, Instituto de Educação Jesuíta, will have two departments: a basic education department, Colégio de Santo Inácio de Loiola, and a teacher education department, Colégio de São João de Brito.  It will be located in Kasait, to the West of Dili. Colégio de Santo Inácio de Loiola, an Ignatian high school for boys and girls, will commence in 2013 with a limited intake at Level 7.  It will teach in Portuguese, Tetun and English.

Colégio de São João de Brito will commence with the preparation of senior secondary school teachers in 2014. The three-year bachelor’s degree will focus on Portuguese, Tetun, English and Religious Education.

 “As a Catholic institution in a Catholic country, there is a need to prioritise and develop competency in religious education and faith development in the local context.  A distinctive characteristic of the Institute will be the embedding of the Jesuit mission and identity,” said Fr Mark Raper SJ, Acting Regional Superior, Region of Timor Leste and President of the Jesuit Conference of Asia Pacific.

Fr Raper added that the institute will focus on outreach service programs and extra-curricular activities that develop the whole person.

Read the official statement here.