Timor-Leste thanks
Obrigado Husi Labarik Timor-Leste (Thank you from the children of Timor-Leste)
By SQNLDR Percy Wootton
Thumbs up
Earlier this year, Air Force News published an article on an amazing group of young children from Gulf Harbour School who, following a visit from Warrant Officer Dale Kutia, wanted to make a difference. This article serves as part two to the adventure and illustrates the lives of young Timor-Leste children that they touched.
W/O Kutia made contact with me late last year and asked if I would facilitate the delivery of an abundance of small donated gifts to Timor-Leste children. Unfortunately, due to charitable freight restrictions, the delivery to Timor-Leste was delayed. However, recently all the hard work by Gulf Harbour School’s ‘Care Force’ finally paid off and the gifts were successfully delivered.
The charitable freight amounted to ten large boxes of soft toys, stationery items, and loads of sporting equipment. To maximise the benefit for young local Timorese children, the gifts were split into three lots. And the children were abundantly grateful.
Gift One
The first was delivered to St Clara’s Orphanage, a small organisation operating out of Villa Verde. It is managed by three Nuns’, with Sister Rosa living with the children in small and rundown premises. Sister Rosa was overjoyed with the donation and somewhat emotional upon witnessing the sheer happiness that it put on the children’s young faces.
Awestruck
Gift Two
The second was delivered to Hiam Health, a relatively new establishment on the outskirts of Dili that provides for the rehabilitation of families with members that have suffered from severe malnutrition. Soft toys and stationery items were passed to Rosaria, the Director and one of the founders of Hiam Health. Rosaria indicated that these resources would be put to great use.
Gift Three
The third and final gifts were presented to 50–80 children that participate in the ‘Sunday School’ at the Fatuhada Children’s Playground in Dili every week. W/O Kutia was instrumental in setting up the programme, where Timorese children have the opportunity to practice their English and have fun playing games. I have had the privilege of working with and playing alongside these children every Sunday since W/O Kutia handed the reigns over to me last year. She can take pride in knowing that the children still ask about her and the programme continues.
A great deal of organisations and individuals have made a difference to Timor-Leste, but I believe that the efforts of Gulf Harbour School deserve special mention. They have touched the lives of a large number of Timorese children and are a credit to their parents and teachers. Take a bow Gulf Harbour ‘Care Force’.