ACbit – Chega! Ba Ita Learning from the Past, for A Better Future
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History is not only a record of events but also a vital lesson and foundation for nation-building. Guided by this principle, ACbit, in partnership with Misereor, continues to implement the program “Learning from the Past for non-recurrence.” Through this program, ACbit has facilitated workshop for students, youth of survivors’ children and families, and invited survivors to share their past experiences with young people.
From 25–27 September 2025, ACbit organized a three-day workshop at Pirilampu Hall in Dili, together with 25 participants – survivors’ children and families – from seven municipalities: Ainaro, Baucau, Bobonaro, Dili, Ermera, Covalima, and Viqueque.
The workshop aimed to socialize the history of past conflicts from the period 1974–1999 with participants, mainly as the younger generation, so they could learn and reflect on the inhumane acts that occurred in the past and ensure they are never repeated in the future.
Zelia, a participant from Baucau, expressed her gratitude: “Through this workshop, I gained deeper knowledge of our struggle for liberation. The visit to CNC (former Balide Prison) and the mural painting in Lakoto made me feel the suffering people endured during that period, especially the pain experienced by women.”
Another participant, Urbano, shared: “After learning history properly, I realise that independence was achieved through diverse sacrifices. We were killing each other, we were forced to leave our place, suffer sexual violence, etc. That is why we must learn from our past to ensure that such cruel and inhumane actions are never repeated, while valuing the independence we hold today.”
ACbit trainer, Nizio Carvalho, emphasized: “Our goal is not only to help participants understand the history of past conflicts but also to analyse their root causes and consequences. Through the Uma Dame Method, we reflect on how to build a lasting and ideal peace for the future of Timor-Leste.”
This initiative has also been carried out in Ermera, Baucau, and Covalima, engaging both students and survivors’ families in meaningful dialogue and reflection on history as a foundation for peacebuilding.
