Inauguration of Avo Ana Irena Olimpia de Almeida Preschool in Buruma
Buruma – Monday, March 24, 2025
East Timor Trading Group (ETTG), in partnership with the MOE & Spend it well, proudly celebrated the official inauguration of the Avo Ana Irena Olimpia de Almeida Preschool in Buruma, Baucau Municipality. This significant milestone highlights the collective commitment of the government, private sector, and civil society to invest in the future of Timor-Leste through quality early childhood education.
The ceremony was attended by Her Excellency Dr. Dulce de Jesus Soares, alongside local authorities, educators, parents, and members of the Buruma community.
In her speech, HE Dra. Dulce de Jesus Soares addressed the Buruma community, saying, “Appreciate your luck, as the ETTG chose this community to establish a preschool. Therefore, I encourage you to take your children to school every day so that they are prepared to learn, make friends, face challenges, and receive stimulation.”
“Thank you very much for your presence in helping children, who are the future of our country. With this in mind, I would like to offer my deep appreciation to East Timor Trading Group, especially to Mr. Saqib Awan, Madam Neelo Awan, and Mr. Saqib’s daughter, Mrs. Zeenat Awan Aluwihare,” said Dra. Dulce de Jesus Soares, Minister of Education.
In his remarks, Mr. Saqib Awan, Founder and Chairman of East Timor Trading Group, shared his deep pride and gratitude. He emphasized that the occasion marked more than the opening of a building—it symbolized the beginning of a brighter future for the children of Baucau.
Reflecting on ETTG’s 24-year journey in Timor-Leste, Mr. Awan underlined the importance of giving back to the nation that has given so much to his family and business. He highlighted ETTG’s belief that education is the cornerstone of a strong and prosperous society.
The preschool, built in collaboration with Spend It Well, provides not only high-quality infrastructure and child-friendly facilities but also a safe and joyful environment where children can grow, learn, and dream. The school is named in memory of Mrs. Neelo Awan’s mother, Avo Ana Irena Olimpia de Almeida. She was a teacher who deeply believed in the power of education to transform lives.
Mr. Awan concluded by encouraging the children to dream big and reminding them that they are the future doctors, teachers, leaders, and innovators of Timor-Leste—and that ETTG believes in their potential.
As part of its ongoing mission to drive meaningful impact, ETTG aims to support preschool education across all municipalities through community-driven partnerships and a strong sense of corporate responsibility. We are honored to play a role in building a brighter future for Timor-Leste’s children.
