PRESS RELEASE: COUNTRY’S ONLY SCHOOL FOR THE HEARING-IMPAIRED BENEFITS FROM MALAYSIAN CONTRIBUTION

Dili, 2 May 2024 - Alumni of the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Program (MTCP) of Timor-Leste presented a package of aid to AGAPE School for the Deaf - the country’s sole school catering to the needs of the hearing-impaired segment of society.

The contribution comprising a sewing machine, rice, frozen chicken, cooking oil, flour, and a transport allowance for students were handed over to the school’s head Pastor Nelson Fernandez, by MTCP Alumnus Mr. Antonio Lelo Taci, on behalf of the Alumni in the presence of Malaysian Ambassador Amarjit Sarjit Singh; and MTCP Alumnus Mr. Gregorio Rangel, Mr. Sabino da Costa, Mr. Adelino da Costa and Ms. Noelia Soares Moniz.

This forms part of a series of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities undertaken jointly by the Embassy of Malaysia in Timor-Leste and the Alumni, in line with the inclusivity thrust of the Madani (civil) orientation of the Malaysian Government under Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim. It is hoped that the above contribution would further empower those with hearing impairment with a spirit of entrepreneurship, a balanced and nutritious diet; and incentivise income-deficit parents of hearing-impaired children to send their children to school.

Alumnus Antonio Lelo Taci who is currently President of National Authority for Environmental Licensing (ANLA), underwent MTCP training in Malaysia in 2012. Since 2003, the MTCP has trained close to 655 Timorese public officials in a variety of areas through fully-funded short and medium-term courses. It is the Malaysian Government’s flagship initiative in support of capacity building needs of developing countries. Since its inception in 1980, more than 34,000 participants from the 144 countries have benefited from programmes offered under the MTCP.