This is the story of Ika, a teacher, at NOSSEF secondary school. Prof Francisca Bui (Ika) goes way beyond the call of duty in her role of teaching English and Malay (Indonesian) at NOSSEF.
It’s often difficult for us here at St Canice’s in Australia to understand the complexities of life, let alone the transforming role of education for the young in a fledgling nation like East Timor.
Since 2016 Ika has accepted five students into her home. Most of them are not her own family.
They are NOSSEF students from distant districts. She generously provides her home for poor students who need housing to attend school. They help with household chores and take care of small kiosks run by Ika’s family.
She says, “I sometimes feel that I don’t have a family here, but God has given me more than I asked him. I’m happy to accept those students at our home as they help us in cooking and farming.” She takes a breath and says in confidence, “I don’t feel lonely anymore.”