Renewed agreement between VU & the Dili Institute of Technology
More than 20 years after Victoria University (VU) first partnered with the Dili Institute of Technology (DIT), the two institutions have strengthened their relationship by entering a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
DIT is a private, not-for-profit institution established in 2002, offering higher education and vocational training for young people, veterans of the independence struggle and their children.
VU Chancellor, the Honourable Steve Bracks AC, is in Timor-Leste to sign a new MoU which includes a number of potential opportunities for collaboration, including:
- TAFE education for Timorese students in areas of skills shortages
- English language training
- encouraging cooperation in any discipline which is studies in both institutions
- exchanging digital information and training material including university policies
- staff exchanges and professional development opportunities
- training equipment and facilities
- access to digital library resources.
“I am very proud of Victoria University’s long connection with DIT. We are pleased to partner with DIT to help further the capacity and skills of the Timorese people,” Mr Bracks said.
Joining Mr Bracks as signatories on the agreement is DIT Board of Trustees President Kirsty Sword Gusmao, DIT Rector Dr Salustiano dos Reis Piedade, and VU Vice-Chancellor Professor Adam Shoemaker
“I look forward to a very productive and collaborative relationship with our good friends at Victoria University,” Dr dos Reis Piedade said.
VU has provided significant assistance to DIT over the years, including introducing a Workplace Trainer Certificate (now known as Certificate IV in Training and Assessment) in 2005.
The University has also supported local access to library resources, provision of equipment, staff training, planning advice, and direct assistance to deliver training programs resulting in Australian-equivalent qualifications.
“Victoria University helped establish DIT and it is wonderful that the relationship with Victoria University is still going strong over two decades later,” Ms Sword Gusmao said.
