PROJECT ‘OSTICO EAST TIMOR’
28 May 2010
Fond relections on the visit to Timor-Leste
After Dili, the bustle of the Melbourne coffee shops and CBD life [on my first visit to Australia this year] is certainly a world away in terms of daily experiences. There is real interest in many places now for what our small charity is doing: people warm readily to our concept of 100% of funds going to directly to the projects, with zero administration costs. Following the visit, we have a lot to do: delivering Lequeracabu’u, identifying our next big project, packaging up smaller high-value projects and following up on teacher training, scholarships, sporting facilities, library materials and the like. We are all very grateful for Kris’ energy and organisational skills! Stephen will be next on the ground in Dili, in July it seems, unless some of our readers or donors are likely to be there earlier. If so, please let us know. In the interim, I have attached a couple more photos from the visit to Ostico and thank everyone involved on the ground in Dili for their generous time and support.
 Where there is a will, there is a way
 Lunch anyone?
 Seeing the difference project: Lequeracabu'u East Timor, OSTICO EAST TIMOR
26 May 2010
The Ostico Visit
Yesterday’s rain did nothing to diminish the smiles on the faces of the kids at Ostico. We were welcomed by the whole school with several songs, sung with gusto! It was a great opportunity to see the school and students for the first time, and it was really satisfying to see such great results for our efforts. I am keen to get the basketball / volleyball court installed as soon as we can, along with the new furniture [some of which has already arrived] and an internet connection, etc. I was struck not only by how enthusiastic the kids were, but also how well behaved they were and how well the principal runs the school. The day was inspiring.
 Graham & Simon arriving at Ostico  Some of the "choir"  With the principal project: OSTICO EAST TIMOR
25 May 2010
Singing in the rain
I am conscious that all my photos to date have been of fine sunsets, which may have been a little misleading! Rain prevented our first sod-turning today at Lequeracabu’u, due to the roads being out. Undeterred, we went on to visit Ostico [more on that wonderful visit later]. In the interim, I thought you would like to see Simon, always eager to help, surveying the deep puddles on the way to Ostico before crossing!
 Simon has it all under control project: Lequeracabu'u East Timor, OSTICO EAST TIMOR
24 May 2010
A thank you from Kirsty Sword
While having sundowners with Simon and Mandy, Graham had the pleasure of meeting Kirsty Sword and her children down at the beach in Dili last night. Kirsty once again expressed warm thanks and gratitude to you all, on behalf of the children at Ostico and Lequeracabu’u, for organising &/or attending the White Party or otherwise supporting Spend It Well’s efforts in East Timor. She has followed the progress leading up to and following the White Party, and said she had seen the photos and wished she could have been there. Perhaps next time!
 The end of a Dili weekend project: Lequeracabu'u East Timor, OSTICO EAST TIMOR
24 May 2010
Independence Restoration Day
Hi all, this is a note from Graham on my continuing travels in Timor-Leste. I’ve been missing in action for the last few days. Last Thursday was Independence Restoration Day, followed by a long weekend. Simon, Mandy and I set off for a long drive to Bacau, Com (where we stayed) and then a trip Jaco Island. Beautiful tranquil surroundings, great beaches and snorkelling … and no internet!! An idyllic haven! The only downside was the potential diners at the beaches [see the photo]. We saw a number of schools on the way and met up with people from the Education Department, who we hope to speak with further this week. We plan to go to Lequeracabu’u and Ostico tomorrow.
 Bacau beach  The diners at Bacau project: Lequeracabu'u East Timor, OSTICO EAST TIMOR
|
