This is the first of a series of interviews to know more about visitors of the Dili Public Information Center (PIC)—who they are, why they come to use the facilities.
August 10, 2009 — University student Joaninha Branca Soares comes to the Dili Public Information Centre (PIC) twice a week in order to work on her studies. "I come to the PIC to find information on the internet—information from abroad and from Timor Leste. Besides that, I also look for science materials on-line because I cannot find them at my university."
World Bank PICs are the focal point for providing access to World Bank publications, reports and other development-related materials. More than 100 PICs worldwide provide access to computers and internet, publications, documents, videos, and other materials to the general public. In Timor-Leste, the PIC is located at The World Bank Mission in Timor-Leste, Avenida dos Direitos Humanos, Dili. It is one of the busiest PICs in the East Asia and Pacific region with over 60 visitors a day.
Regular access to the internet is very useful for students in Timor Leste. Due to a shortage of books and libraries, the internet is the only way most students can locate information to assist them with their schoolwork.
"What I want from the PIC in the future is to make sure it continues delivering this service to help students in Timor Leste find information, and to ensure we are aware of what is happening overseas as well as in our country," says Joaninha. "I think in the future it would be great if the PIC could provide us with more relevant books related to our studies."
The Dili PIC attracts students and youths from different areas and brings them all together. "In Timor Leste, there's no other place like it. The PIC helps students very much to complete their studies. It's a much-needed facility."
Information is the key to understanding developments and current affairs in Timor Leste and around the world. Joaninha hopes that in the future, more people in her country can gain the same kind of access to information services and become more active PIC visitors.
Those interested in using the Dili PIC can call Sancho Goncalves at 670-332-4648/9 or send him an email (sgoncalves@worldbank.org).
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