Lessons Beyond the Classroom: Student Brothers Begin Their Practicum

Each year, students from the Instituto Católico para Formação de Professores, or ICFP, undertake their five-week estajiu, or teaching practicum in a Catholic or Government school, somewhere in Timor-Leste. For most beginning students it is in a primary school. For the more adept, it could be in a junior secondary school.

Student teachers spend long hours planning motivating lessons in their subject area, teaching and being observed. During the practicum, staff from ICFP come and evaluate their lesson preparation and observe their teaching performance.

This year, 16 Timorese Marist Brothers went on estajiu, teaching mainly in the Municipality of Baucau. For all, it was a rewarding - if at times challenging - experience, in which they shared a house with other student teachers, living, cooking, and planning their lessons together before heading off to school each day. For many of the student Brothers, there is an expectation that they will also offer extra support in the local parishes, assisting with youth programs or providing music or choir support for the weekend liturgies. It is truly a time of immersion.

Here are some reflections and photos of our Brothers on estajiu.

Br Dionisio Madeira Martins

From 3 June to 5 July, 2025, I completed my second teaching practicum at Saint Michael Archangel School in Venilale as part of my second-year studies. There, I had my first real experience as an English teacher standing in front of a classroom, delivering lessons, and engaging with students.

Br Dionisio (centre front) with children from Vemasse surrounded by Br Juvencio, Br Norberto and Br Jefriano.

Every time I came to English class it was different: some students picked up concepts right away, while others needed extra time and encouragement. This showed me just how diverse learning can be and how important it is to adapt. One of my most meaningful moments came outside my assigned Grade 9 class. During the breaks, I worked with a Grade 7 student who was completely struggling with reading.

"The heart of teaching isn’t always about fast results. Sometimes, it’s just about showing up, being patient, and noticing the students who are so often overlooked."

We made slow progress, but what stayed with me the most was sometimes he seemed alone on the edge, perhaps due to his struggles with reading. His path seemed still open, waiting for more, but it reminded me that the heart of teaching isn’t always about fast results. Sometimes, it’s just about showing up, being patient, and noticing the students who are so often overlooked. All in all, it was truly a rewarding experience, and those five weeks of teaching really solidified my sense of mission. 

Br Ronaldo Da Costa

My ICFP pedagogical internship was at my old school of ‘EBF’ Baucau Central Primary School. Through this pedagogical practice I felt very proud to be able to join the students of EBF Central and the teachers.

For five weeks I shared my knowledge, skills and life experiences with the teachers and students in the school, especially through extra-curricular activities. This helped to strengthen relationships in the school, just like a family. I am grateful that the teachers supported me with knowledge and prayer, just as I was able to support them with my skills and abilities.

"Through the experiences and challenges I faced, I was able to grow in my profession as a teacher."

Br Ronaldo (front centre with school staff in Baucau and visitors from Australia).

Through the experiences and challenges I faced, I was able to grow in my profession as a teacher and can now continue developing my skills for the future.

Br Juvencio Hanjam Nia

I am grateful for completing five weeks of teaching experience at a primary and lower secondary public school in Vemasse, a small town about 30 minutes west of Baucau. I taught English to year 7 students and enjoyed the experience, as well as building strong relationships with students and teachers.

I realise that every student comes to school with a different character and personality so I have to adjust to each individual student and learn how best to respond to them.

"I learnt how to adjust to each individual student and learn how best to respond to them."

I found the teaching experience has helped me in my preparation for teaching, especially in learning to how manage my time during a busy school day.

Br Edgar Salgueiro Da Costa

During the estajiu at Samalari, I gained a lot of experience in my pedagogical practice. I lived with five other student teachers from ICFP. I had the opportunity to teach Grades 1 and 6. We gained the trust of the local community and young people in the neighbourhood.

In the afternoons we had extra time to encourage the children to help us prepare the liturgy for Mass on Saturday evening and also organise oratory prayer activities, sports and singing practice. Through this I made more friends and created a better family spirit in the community. The children did not feel afraid to approach me or my colleagues and help us with anything we needed.

"The children did not feel afraid to approach me or my colleagues and help us with anything we needed."

I found my experience of doing youth ministry in my initial formation helped me to be more natural and at home as a teacher in the classroom. The children seemed to respond positively to me. I really enjoyed helping the students by sharing the little knowledge and skills that I have gained from my first semester at ICFP and especially bringing God’s love to the young people in my classes.

Br Damião Correia Falo

My six-week teaching practice was an amazing experience and the first one that I have done. It was the first time for me to stand in front of students and teach them and to implement the skills and knowledge I have learnt from my first semester at ICFP, especially the dynamic method of teaching.

I learned from the students as well as the teachers, especially the different behaviours that can be challenging. It made me think about changing my own pedagogy and practice and how to manage behaviour in the classroom.

"I learned from both students and teachers - it made me rethink how I manage behaviour and teach."

I realise that I need to be with the students longer so I can get to know them better. Overall it was a wonderful time on estajiu.

Br Clementino Xavier 

My teaching experience was incredibly rewarding. I had the opportunity to work with students of various ages and backgrounds, each with their unique learning styles and challenges.

"One of the most fulfilling aspects was seeing students grasp new concepts and skills and becoming more confident."

One of the most fulfilling aspects was seeing students grasp new concepts and skills, and observing their confidence grow as they progressed. I’m learning to be patient and adapt to different situations as well as be creative in my approach to meet the needs of my students.

These experiences on estajiu are deepening my passion for education and valuing the impact that education can have on individuals and communities.

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