Supporting East Timorese Students Through the Ron Archer Memorial Scholarship Program

More than 80 years after Australian commandos fought with the support of the people of East Timor during World War II, the bond of friendship continues to change lives through The Ron Archer Memorial East Timor Scholarships Program, stewarded by the Equity Trustee Charitable Foundation.

Archer Scholarships facilitate post-secondary education for disadvantaged young adults from throughout Timor-Leste, to access vocational skills training at The Salesians of Don Bosco Training Centre in the capital, Dili.

This year, 16 students (eight females and eight males) will receive scholarships funded by a $19,000 grant, continuing the legacy first envisioned by Brisbane veteran Ron Archer, who intended to contribute to the communities of Timor-Leste.

“To see growth in a young person who has never left their home village, and suddenly have the world opened up to them, is extraordinary,” says Yvonne Langley-Walsh, who has overseen the program for many years, alongside Ron Archer’s daughter, Lynne Davis. 

“The origins of friendship began during World War Two, when Australian commandos were deployed to Timor in 1941.”

Yvonne explained that Ron did not serve in Timor, but learned from fellow commandos of the suffering of the Timorese people when war was thrust upon them. Back then, young village men acted as guides to the Australian commandos and villagers supplied food, even when their own supplies were low, and friendships were forged.

“To see the growth of someone who’s never left their home village before, and suddenly have the world opened up to them, is extraordinary.”

The Archer Trust was established in 2006 to sponsor young adults facing significant marginalisation when living in remote communities and mountainous districts where opportunities for further education are

“Students from village communities are already economically disadvantaged compared to young people living in the capital Dili,” says Yvonne. “The Archer Fund criteria is ‘need’ as many young Timorese support their sole parent and younger siblings, so the Archer Scholarships can make an enormous difference."

The Don Bosco Training Centre selects students through interviews and assessment processes that carefully consider family circumstances and financial hardship. Students can select a speciality from a range of skills training, including carpentry, electrics, welding, auto-mechanics, office administration, IT skills and more.

Beyond this practical training, the Scholarships Program presents students with opportunities to build their self-confidence, acquire independence and to make connections outside their home communities.

The challenges experienced by Timorese students are shaped by geography, material hardship and cultural obligations. Despite these challenges, the impact of the Archer Scholarships continues to ripple through district communities. Many hear about the scholarships through graduates who have returned home.

“At students’ graduation, when families travel from districts wearing traditional dress for the ceremony, you really see how much the scholarship means to the whole community,” says Yvonne.

“These Scholarships are about much more than education. They are about dignity, opportunity and hope for the future.”

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