The children learning in a language they don't speak | The Pacific | ABC News
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In Timor-Leste, a generation of children are struggling in classrooms taught in a language that many don't speak at home. Despite Portuguese being an official language of instruction, most students and even many teachers primarily speak Tetum and local languages - creating a disconnect playing out in classrooms nationwide. As literacy and learning outcomes remain low, a growing number of Timorese are asking whether it's time to move away from an outdated language policy in favour of English and Bahasa Indonesia. Reporter Vonia Vieira travels to Ermera Municipality, outside the capital Dili, to ask locals if changing the language of education could mean a brighter future for the country. ‘The Pacific’ is hosted by Johnson Raela and Alice Lolohea. #ABCThePacific Watch The Pacific on ABC Australia or on ABC iView: https://iview.abc.net.au/show/pacific Like ABC Pacific on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ABCPacific Follow ABC Pacific on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abcpa
Tags: abc news, australian news, abc news indepth, documentaries, long-form journalism, ABC The Pacific, Timor Leste, education, Portuguese, Tetum language, Timor-Leste children, bilingual education, Ermera Timor-Leste, Indonesia occupation Timor-Leste, Bahasa Indonesia, Vonia Vieira
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