Author: Lobitos Alves
Maria relies on MAF’s shuttle service as she teaches the next generation of students at a school in the community of Maliana.
Meet Maria Antonia dos Santos, a 39-year-old teacher who is originally from Suai, Covalima Municipality, in the south-western part of Timor-Leste.
She works for the Salesian Institution of St John Bosco Missionary as a teacher of Sociology, Tetun Language, and Religious Studies at Cristal General Secondary School in Raifun, Maliana in Bobonaro Municipality.
From her hometown in Suai through to the capital Dili and out to Maliana, Maria is able to use MAF’s shuttle flights that connect the nation’s isolated communities.
She shared how MAF’s fast and reliable flights support her work.
“I usually travel on MAF planes from Dili to Maliana three or four times a month, and also fly back to Suai,” she said.
“I prefer to fly with MAF rather than take public transportation because they provide fast and excellent service.”
...they provide fast and excellent service.
Her work is based in the capital Dili, but she travels to Maliana to teach the students and assist with other activities.
In her spare time, after teaching in Maliana, she engages with the students to work on assignments and play sports.
“I normally help the students with their school projects, assist with humanitarian activities, and play sports such as basketball and volleyball with them,” she said.
Many Timorese people are fearful of flying, because they have never had the opportunity, and Maria admitted that she was nervous initially.
“Firstly, I was afraid of flying on MAF planes, but now I’m no longer afraid because I trust the pilots and believe that flying with MAF is safe,” she added.
“I personally feel that MAF has been instrumental in facilitating my journey, enabling me to carry out my work more efficiently.
“I would like to inform my Timorese colleagues not to be afraid to travel by MAF flights, as it is a safe and fast means of transportation to reach our destination.”