Roosters and Dili meetings – from Stephen

Woke to the sound of roosters and general street hubub yesterday.  The day started well with breakfast on the deck of the Esplanada – a basic but atmospheric hotel overlooking the Dili beach front.  Then had a great meeting with the number 2 at the Ministry of Education and two Australian consultants.  We  talked about what they’re doing – and what they’re just not able to do.  They are aiming to work on 100 schools next year – which given there are 1320 in the country and countless more schools without villages, makes the need for help clear.  An area they don’t have enough funds for is the many remote rural communities without school buildings.   We talked about our funding the building of some of these schools using a technique they’ve developed – carrying in lightweight materials and having the villagers build the schools with supervision of the ministry.  Once the school is build to the right standard the villagers are paid, giving them an income as well as a school.  At US$10,000 – US$15,000 these could be great for Spend it Well projects.