ABSTRACT
This book examines the collaboration between East Timorese and internationals in the rebuilding of the education sector during the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) 1999–2002. Over 85 percent of records and infrastructure had been deliberately destroyed by East Timorese militias in the wake of the August 1999 referendum. More than half the population was displaced. Government administration no longer existed.
UNTAET was established on 25 October 1999 by the UN Security Council. Resolution 1272 gave UNTAET the mandate: to provide security and maintain law and order throughout the territory of East Timor; to establish an effective administration; to assist in the development of civil and social services; to ensure the coordination and delivery of humanitarian assistance, rehabilitation of humanitarian assistance, rehabilitation and development assistance; to support capacity-building for self-government; and to assist in the establishment of conditions for sustainable development.
Many interrelated issues emerged during the restoration of the education sector: the unique relationship between the East Timorese and the Portuguese; the impact of education under both the Portuguese and Indonesians; collaboration with the internationals; the clash over control between the East Timorese and the World Bank and the contested issue of classroom language which continues to bedevil education.
