Alpha-Same
The Friends of Same has developed an alphabet and numbers kit, called the Alpha-Same, as a teaching aid promoting language and literacy for schools and adult education classes in Timor-Leste. The initiative of Lynn Williams, the Alpha-Same has been through an exhaustive development process to ensure its coverage of the language requirements of Tetun and Portuguese as well as English. There are 100 plain white cards printed on both sides and laminated for climate protection, which can be displayed by being hung on nails (included in the kit) and used to show individual letters and numbers, and to make words, phrases and short sentences.
Schools in Timor-Leste have few teaching aids. Blackboards and chalk are in short supply. Few display materials exist; walls are mostly devoid of any posters and other teaching resource materials that are standard in Australian classrooms. There is no current equivalent of the Alpha-Same. The Mary MacKillop Institute for East Timor, which has been consulted during the development phase, offers an alphabet with letters featuring drawings. The Alpha-Same kit has been designed for use by all ages, from primary school to adult education. The kit contains instructions for use in Tetun, Portuguese and English. This may be refined over time, with more feedback from teachers and schools.
Illiteracy is a major problem facing Timor Leste, with high levels of adult illiteracy particularly amongst women. The education system faces enormous challenges in responding to the needs of a population where an estimated 43% are under the age of 15. Currently there are approximately 700 government schools, 173 schools run by the Catholic Church and 26 private schools. At the primary level, the pupil/teacher ratio stands at an average of 62 students per teacher. Effective teaching of basic literacy and numeracy is fundamental for the future of Timor-Leste.
Extensive consultation was undertaken with relevant bodies in Australia and in Timor-Leste. Fields trials were also conducted in East Timor. The kit is now being used for training purposes by the Timor Aid Tetun literacy coordinators, by the Mary MacKillop Institute through Sister Tess Ward, the Ryder-Cheshire organization, the Baucau Teachers College, and the Fundsaun Fuan Nabilan Ba Matan Aat, which provides training and support for the vision-impaired. The Alola Foundation also intends using the kit for teacher training.
How you can help
You can donate an Alpha-Same kit to any of these organisations by 'purchasing' a kit for $30. The kit will be forwarded to the nominated organisation. Donations for the Alpha-Same are tax deductible through the Friends of Same account with Australian Volunteers International. See How to donate to the Friends of Same.
Updated on 14 February 2007.
