Timor trip to change lives of young teachers

Published: 11 December 2011

A BRIEF stint of teaching in East Timor is an experience young Albany Creek woman Nichole Carmody will remember for the rest of her life.

Ms Carmody is one of four final-year education students from Australian Catholic University's (ACU) Brisbane Campus who recently returned from a month-long trip to Samalete 3, East Timor.

The 22-year-old participated in the trip for a fourth-year unit of study and she said it had helped shape her career.

"I really enjoyed the trip. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and it has definitely influenced my future as a teacher in a positive way," Ms Carmody said.

Ms Carmody taught primary-level maths, physical education and art using resources she brought from Australia.

"The people of East Timor have taught me there is more to life than material objects - happiness comes from family, friends and health," she said.

"The students and teachers were so grateful, it was extremely touching and humbling. They opened my eyes to how much the presence of ACU students in their school means to their future education."

Marie Culwick, of Rothwell, was another ACU student on the East Timor visit and she taught the same subjects as Ms Carmody.

"This has been the best experience in my journey as a lifelong learner," Ms Culwick said. "I am so glad I was able to access such an amazing opportunity.

"It was fantastic to adapt to another culture and was a real eye-opener for me. I now have an even greater desire to be involved with mission trips in less developed countries."

Prior to their departure, the four students organised fundraising events to raise money for resources.