Mrs. Leopoldina Joana Guterres, was born on in Baguia province, Timor-Leste, qualified in Education Sociology (University Degree) and Portuguese Language Education (BA Degree). She is currently the Director of Central Basic Education School of St. Joseph in Baguia province. She was a basic education teacher since the year 1996.

Her dedication in education was not limited only to formal education, but also to non-formal and informal education. Her concerns is not only on education but also the well-being of the students and community.

As part of her duties as school director, she manages seven schools and the Central Basic Education School of St. Joseph with 1,011 students and 58 teachers. Beside school management, she also teaches Portuguese language 15 hours per week.

In the beginning of her career, she faced many challenges, among them were unfamiliarity with Portuguese language, teacher’s qualification, classrooms conditions, school water and sanitation.

She determined to overcome the challenges. She attended Portuguese language courses, which is one of the official languages and medium of teaching. She was assigned to teach English because none of the existing teachers could teach English, while her English was so poor. She taught English, at the same time learning it, and attended some short courses, later.

In regards to school classroom conditions, she collaborated with her school principals in finding donors. They did find donors and rehabilitated many classrooms, and built water tanks for many schools.

In Non formal Education, she collaborated with youth and community to establish a Computer and English Course, in which she delivers English course for six hours a week.

In Informal education, Mrs. Leopoldina is a single mother with six children. However, besides her children, she also accommodates and feeds some children who live far way from schools, in her house. She teaches children to live together, to pay respect to each other, to learn, to eat together, to learn about ethics and cultural values, moral values and catholic religion.

Mrs. Leopoldina Joana Guterres, is not a professional teacher only, she is also a vocational teacher. She acquired all qualifications needed for Basic Education Teachers, language of instruction, teaching skills and pedagogical skills, subject matter and professional code of ethics. She also has a good ability in English.

She dedicates herself by going beyond official hours, and dedicates her life in all forms of education, formal, non-formal and informal education.

CONSTRUCTION AND SCHOOL REHABILITATION AND other SUPPORTS

Mrs. Leopoldina rehabilitates the schools by creating a good and healthty environment for students, so they can learn better. She develops a good relationship with School from Korowa Anglican Girls School in Melbourne –Victoria, Mary Mackillop College in Busselton-Perth-WA, Channel College in Gladstone-Quesland, St. John’s College in Brisbane and all Friends of Baguia in Australia. With their supports in school constructions and rehabilitations, toilet construction, water tanks, chairs and tables in her Sub-District Baguia. She also organizes the students scholarship from friendship for university level to Basic School level in Baguia.