A very interesting and informative presentation was provided by some of the group of Rotarians who visited Timor Leste in June this year.  The group included representatives from the Rotary Clubs of Berwick, Pakenham, Keilor and Port Melbourne.
 
They visited Balibo and Belola travelling in 4-wheel drive vehicles along generally unmade roads.  Balibo is 75 Km from Dili airport and is only 10 Km from the Indonesian border. 
 
It is infamous for the fact that Indonesian Special Forces killed five journalists from Australian TV networks in 1975.  70% of the country's infrastructure was destroyed in the Indonesian invasion and 130,000 - 150,000 people died.
 
Therefore, Timor Leste is a new and developing nation with very little resources and a strong need to develop education and health.  Habitual chewing of the betel-nut has led to a signicant problem with dental hygiene.
 
Two years ago, Rotary funded the formation of a dental clinic in Balibo House, which had been purchased by the Victorian Government in 2003.  This clinic was important because there had never been a dentist in that area.
The dental clinic has now been operating for two years, staffed by volunteer Dentists from Australia and two local Dental Assistants.  As a result it opens 4-5 times a year, when the volunteers are available.  However, some locals are being trained as Dentists to allow the clinic to open throughout the year.
 
The group stayed at a 400-year old fort that has been converted to a 4-star hotel providing employment for locals in the hospitality sector.  The visit provided the opportunity to deliver much needed stationery and toys to local schools and 20 kindergartens.
 
A visit was made to a school project in Belola for which Donation in Kind, supported by Spend It Well, are donating furntiture.  When it opens next year, 100-150 children will use it from Prep to Grade 2.
 
In addition, the group identified local needs for a hospital bed mattress, sewing machines, 10 pairs of crutches, 46 cartons of consumables and Packs for Girls.
 
Since 43% of the population is under 14 years old, there are some social problems.  To help alleviate the problems, a soccer competition has been organised creating the need for a supply of good quality soccer balls.
 
In all, this appears to be a very useful and ongoing project.
 
 
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