Why East Timor?

Blair had always been an enthusiast for International Education, especially in countries where the need for education was the greatest, hence he was keenly interested in East Timor. Education there has been sadly neglected and as a result, this country lacks young people with appropriate skills to build upon its newly won independence.  Little is left over from the Aid donations for education at the secondary and post-secondary level, so that it seems that the dearth of skilled graduates is likely to hamper the fledgling nation for many years to come.

Blair had taken this challenge to heart and, had it not been for his failing health, he would have already visited the country to see what could be accomplished.  We therefore would like to further his interest in this issue and investigate ways in which a path to tertiary education can be opened up for young people from East Timor who can demonstrate a broad range of academic and personal potential.