What if a crocodile could teach you to read? Here at Lafaek, Timor Top in Dili that idea is not so far-fetched. Lafaek means crocodile in Tetun. It is also the name of an educational magazine that has transformed learning in Timor-Leste.
Since 2001 CARE has produced Lafaek magazines. These magazines reach every school in Timor-Leste. They support the government’s goals. These goals include improved literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking. They also promote healthy living. The magazines strive for an environment that promotes women’s leadership.
The Lafaek project developed a collection of educational materials for teachers in Timor-Leste. CARE’s Lafaek magazines are valued in many rural communities. They are a creative source of educational material for children. The magazine is published three times a year. It reaches over 111000 preschool and grade 1-2 students. Over 133000 students in grades 3-6 also read it. More than 12000 teachers use it. Over 103000 households receive the magazine.
The Lafaek team creates educational content. This content is tailored to communities. It is based on the national education curriculum. It also reflects Timor-Leste’s development priorities. The project is expanding its online presence on Facebook. It has over 150000 followers. It also has a website. The online platforms engage youth. They discuss key development topics. They provide a forum to share ideas and solutions. These solutions address current issues facing the youth of the country.
Simplicio Barbosa Lafaek Project Manager and Octavio De Andrade Lafaek Graphic Designer visited Melbourne Australia in December 2014. They worked with representatives from Wise Foundation Affirm Press CARE Australia and The Big Issue. They planned the future of the Lafaek Magazines.
The aim of Lafaek is to tackle Timor-Leste’s low literacy rate. The Lafaek project started 14 years ago. It published a children’s magazine. It also created a teacher’s guide for the classroom. A community magazine for low-literate adults in rural areas was also introduced. This helps communities participate more in economic development.
Currently more than 90000 people from four Districts access the community magazine. These districts are Bobanaro Covalima Ermera and Liquica. CARE International in Timor Leste publishes it three times a year. It partners with the Ministries of Education Agriculture Health and the Secretariat for the Promotion of Equality. NZAID supports it.
The community magazine provides content. This content helps community members develop basic literacy and numeracy skills. It helps them identify business opportunities. These supplement their income. It improves agricultural health and sanitation practices. It also teaches about early childhood care.
More than 254000 students in 1166 schools have received Lafaek magazines. The magazine has multiple editions. These editions have customized content. This content builds upon previous editions. The magazine has been lauded. It is an example of a best practice project. This is because of its relevance quality local partnerships and community involvement.
Strong female characters are included. Children learn about different roles of women in society. These roles are outside traditional ones. Characters with disabilities are also included. This helps stop discrimination. More Timorese families are reading together. Parents and caregivers can now better support their children’s learning. They also support well-being at home and in school.
The Lafaek magazines are printed three times a year. They reach over 103000 homes 254000 students and 12000 teachers. The Lafaek educational magazines have introduced reading and learning. This has impacted the lives of children and adults in Timor-Leste. The CARE project is transitioning Lafaek. It will become a locally registered and independent social enterprise.