This original volume examines the collaboration between East Timorese and international staff in the rebuilding of the education sector during the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) 1999-2002. Using interviews, contemporary newspaper articles and reports from UN sources and the World Bank, the book enables a comprehensive analysis of Timorese agency.

Examining choices made by the Timorese and drawing comparison with other former Portuguese colonies, the text considers the power of the Timorese elite, the role of nepotism and corruption, the preservation of the Indonesian curriculum and the selection of Portuguese as the medium of instruction and official language - together with Tetum.

Concluding with a contemporary discussion on the educational achievements for East Timorese children during UNTAET compared with those of today, Rebuilding the Education Sector in East Timorduring UNTAET will be of interest to academics, researchers and post-graduate students in the fields of post-conflict studies, post-colonial education and language policy as well as East Timor more specifically. This book will also benefit graduate students and scholars in teacher education.

Trina Supit completed her PhD at the University of Sydney, Australia. She was a member of the UNTAET Division of Education.