David Dippie from Donations In Kind (DIK) spoke about the Balibo Project Partnership. The clubs in this project are Berwick, Carlton, Keilor, Pakenham and Port Melbourne.
Balibo, in Timor Leste is one of the poorest countries in the world and the government is fully supportive of Rotary.
The project involved building a dental clinic that can be used for other medical uses, a new kitchen that will support a café and dental nurse accommodation.
Not only Rotary has provided money but other organisations such as the Melbourne Dental Hospital contributed. They supplied chairs. Many dentists have volunteered to go over and assist.
From a Rotary perspective this project is now complete.
The new goal is to supply educational facilities and support. 6 Kindergartens, 23 Primary Schools and 6 High Schools have been identified for help.
Local structures are in place were a local school teacher is identifying needs of each school. Items such as blackboards, noticeboards, storage equipment, stationary, sporting equipment, computers and computer training are needed.
Each club involved contributed $3000 and is responsible for a particular area. Berwick is to coordinate the computers. RC Pakenham is trying for a $15,000 matching TRF grant. Each club is to assist in gathering donated goods. Support is to be encouraged from other Clubs and organisations.
There is now increased capacity and by focusing our effort for an extended period we are making a lasting difference.
Working together we achieve much more as a team than working on our own.
Both David Dippie and Roger Thornton spoke on how much it meant to them to go to Balibo. To actually see how both the children and families benefit made them feel humbled and proud to be Rotarians.
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