Arts Program

Through the work of a number of project teams, it has become clear that the children of Maubisse have embraced art. Timor-Leste’s education system does not include visual arts in the curriculum, and consequently this initiative fills an educational gap while providing children with valuable opportunities to express themselves. The arts program has provided materials and educational opportunities for students attending Maubisse schools from years 2-12 and began in 2015.

Following consultation with the subdistrict and the local schools, the BMFC now aims to hand over the continuation of the program to the Maubisse community. This will necessitate the nomination of a local teacher to care for the materials, initiate and conduct the classes.

Textile Program

The BMFC supports a small group of Maubisse residents who have expressed in interest in having sewing machines and learning to sew. Training programs have been offered in Maubisse and many local people are now doing mending, alterations and sewing garments for sale in the markets. Fabrics, sewing machines and haberdashery are collected locally and sent to Maubisse to support this small program. Donations of any of these components are always welcome. Cotton fabrics are very useful and sewing machines that are less than 10 years old and have a manual are very welcome.