MY BIOGRAFY
My name is José Pereira. I was born in Liquisa, East Timor on 13 of May in 1974. In my family, we are four brothers, one boy (me) and three girls, one is an adopted sister. My oldest sister died during the war (the Indonesian invasion) and my father passed away after my departure to Portugal.
In 1979/80, I went to primary school near my home town. The school is called Kabuilimo Public Primary school IV. When I was in my sixth year of primary school, I transfered to another primary school in Liquisa town thas is called São João de Brito Catholic Primary School of Liquisa. I finished my primary school in 1986.
In 1996/97, I went to São João de Brito Pre-Secundary School of Liquisa. I did only one semester in my first year and I left the school. In the following year, I came back to the same school, in 1997/98. I finished my pre-secundary in 1991.
In 1991/92, I went to Liquisa Public Secundary School (Liquisa Public High School). Because of the political situation at that time, I just spent two months in this school and I left again. The situation was worst because of the Santa Cruz massacre and the Portugal Parliament´s visit. I came back to school in the following year. I was able to finish my High School in 1996.
In 1996/97, I went to continue my study in minor seminary of the Our Lady of Fátima, Balide - Dili. I finished my minor seminary course in 1998.
In 1998, I decided to go to Dominican Seminary in Philippines. I left East Timor to Philippines in the same year with two countrymen, Alexandre Sarmento and Isolino Guterres. I just spent two years at that seminary and I decided to leave the seminary and came back home. I came back to East Timor in 2000.
In 2001, I passed a nacional test (including 5000 people) for a Portugal scholarship. I left East Timor to Portugal in September 2001 with the other countrymen about 300 people.
When arriving in Portugal, we were alocated at Minho Universy, in Braga. With our zero Portuguese knowledge and without any Portuguese year of preparation, we entered to University. We were eight (8) people in our group. With a lot of difficulties and efforts, above all, with the bless of God, the support of all of my professors and some of my great friends in my class, I succeded my study in Internacional Relations field in the school year of 2006/2007.
Braga, 24 / 07 / 2007
Lelobere (José Pereira)