The UN Transitional Administration (UNTAET) launched the civic education program in the middle of last year. But it failed to fully take-off because of dissatisfaction by various civil society groups including donors.
“It was felt that because civic education involved large segments of society, it had to be done by the Timorese people themselves and not dictated by UNTAET or the international community,” said the Director of Civic Education in the ETTA Cabinet Colin Stewart. Colin addressed the National Council yesterday.
Colin said that a National Committee had
been established to work on civic education. The Catholic Church, CNRT,
local
NGOs, the university, primary and secondary schools together with the
Students Solidarity Council are in
the National Committee, said Colin.
Colin said donor support was important
for the civic education process and they had to be convinced that the process
involved the Timorese themselves and that the Timorese were also participating
in the decision-making process.