Who is Matadalan Ba Malu?
Download - Matadalan ba Malu Brochure (PDF 409KB)
The work of the Matadalan Ba Malu Committee is part of the broader Timor-Leste Research Program which is located within the Globalism Research Centre at RMIT University. The Timor-Leste Research Program (timor-research.org) has conducted a wide range of research projects and activities in Timor-Leste for over a decade. While the English training component has been successfully operating since 2005—resulting in 10 program alumni—a volunteer committee was established in 2012 to expand the program’s opportunities and governance. The primary focus of the committee is to enhance the sustainability of the program via forging partnerships with other organisations, provide additional support services to candidates, and explore additional fundraising opportunities. The volunteer committee now comprises a number of RMIT academics as well as current and former RMIT students, each of whom have travelled to and been involved in various research and development projects in Timor-Leste.
Komisaun Matadalan Ba Malu
- Amy Stevenson, Co-Manager
- Damian Grenfell, Co-Manager
- Stefani Vasil, Treasurer
- Bronwyn Winch
- Sam Carroll-Bell
- Aniceta Rosa Grenfell
- Gemma Freeman
- Emily Toome
Matadalan Ba Malu Committee members share a deep commitment to developing mutual learning opportunities between East-Timorese and Australians. Indeed the phrase ‘Matadalan Ba Malu’ is Tetun meaning ‘to guide each other’, and signifies the committee’s desire to share with East-Timorese the unique opportunity for mutual learning and sharing across both Timor-Leste and Australia. The focus in this instance is on providing educational opportunities for women in recognition of the gender inequity experienced in both societies. Between the English training provided since 2005 and other activities, the Timor-Leste program has facilitated the visit of more than 30 East-Timorese to Melbourne for a range of purposes. As such, there already exists considerable experience within the committee in terms of organising visits by future candidates.