Team 52 Report · Web viewSeeds used are purchased from Dili and come from Indonesia. There is no...

Approved by BMFC Nov 2016

Bendigo Maubisse Friendship Committee

Team 52 Report

28 January – 7 February 2018.

Project Reviews

Eskola Verde [Green School] Lebulora Maubisse

Team 52 Report 1


Report editor: Heather Ridge.

This report is a collation of information provided by all team members.

Team Leader: Heather Ridge

Team Members: Cr. Jennifer Alden [Deputy Mayor, City of Greater Bendigo], Heather Ridge [BMFC] Graeme Lynas [Rotary Club of Bendigo Sandhurst], Liz Bannon [BMFC].

Purpose of visit:Team 52 participated in a range of meetings to establish the following:

Status of the partnership relationship with the Maubisse Community Progress of projects undertaken in the 2017-18 cycle Opportunities that could exist into the future to address further requests made by the

Maubisse Community at the 2017 community meeting [i.e. project work requested but not yet commenced].

Background:

Roadworks in the district had been seriously affected by adverse weather conditions. Continuing torrential rain, high winds and lack of power resulted in particularly difficult conditions throughout the area. This had occurred for several weeks and continued for the week team 52 was based in Maubisse. Churches, schools [including Eskola Verde] and houses had lost roofs and deep mud covered roads, affecting travel. Flexibility was key and the meeting schedule was adjusted accordingly. Despite this, all scheduled activities took place with the exception of a visit to Mau Lau and Liquetei Eskola.

Acknowledgements:

Sr. Luis Casimiro Lopes [Sub District Administrator] and Snr. Wilson Nivio Pereira Mendonca [Chefe Maubisse Suco] facilitated discussions and provided valuable support throughout Team 52’s visit.

Team 52 Report 2


The Team acknowledged the ongoing support and organisational skills of Sr. Henrietta. She acted as interpreter, translator and necessary link with many local community organisations and with administrators. Her impartial participation and unqualified support for a broad range of community projects was integral to the schedule of meetings, and was valued in the months of preparation leading up to Team 52s visit. Sr. Henrietta cheerfully accommodated any adjustments needed as unexpected situations arose.

Scheduled discussions:

Project Reviews:

1. Friendship Relationship - Project 1

Sub District Administration Meeting:

Participants: Snr. Luis Casimiro Lopes [Sub District Administrator Maubisse], Snr. Wilson Nivio Pereira Mendonca [Chefe Suco Maubisse] Joao Mendonca Pereira [Chefe Juventude Suco Maubisse – Youth group leader] Sr. Henrietta [Fransiscan Order – St Inacio de Loyola High School], Cr. Jennifer Alden, Heather Ridge, Graeme Lynas, Liz Bannon.

Meeting was held at the Volunteer House and facilitated by Heather Ridge. A review and assessment of completed projects was undertaken.

Discussion:

Project requests had been agreed to by the Maubisse community, in partnership with the Bendigo Maubisse Friendship Committee [BMFC] at the previous community meeting held in Maubisse in January 2017. Of the agreed 16 projects, 9 are ongoing, 2 have been fully completed by BMFC volunteer work teams and 2 have been deleted on advice from Maubisse. Planning for the remaining 3 projects has commenced.

Relationship [Project 1] was confirmed to be well established. Snr Luis expressed appreciation for BMFCs partnership work in Maubisse.

Container items [Project 8] were very useful and good quality. Team 52 raised concerns about the handling and interim storage of items [in the spare container or stored in the Sub District Administration Office]. It was explained that weather conditions, arrival delays and roads were exceptionally difficult and as a result the usual distribution could not be undertaken immediately. Some packs had been randomly opened and assurances were given that storage concerns would be addressed. Care packs had been delivered to Mau Lau and nearby Sucos.

Sewing machines [Project 3] are still required as women in particular are keen to use them to earn a living.

Scholarship program [Project 2] was acknowledged as successful and is creating futures for many students.

Code of conduct for teams [City of Greater Bendigo] and expectations of respectful behaviour by all team members discussed.

Team 52 Report 3


Agricultural School storage shed [Project 12] was still an urgent requirement [see Agricultural School report]. Government grant has been sought by Snr Luis to provide water connection to the school. Poly pipe is no longer at the Carmelite Clinic. New Agricultural School to open in Mau Lau in February 2018 with a curriculum focus on animals [18 teachers, 200 students]

Project 16 [St. Inacio de Loyola High School window grills] was discussed. Sr. Luis indicated the school should fund this from their own funds. It was agreed the committee was no longer required to address this request.

Town Planning support was discussed. The Maubisse Suco requested input from BMFC and their partners to assist with development.

Art House [Project 3] is now being used to provide classes for unemployed youth in art and mechanics. Art [painting] is provided by Graciano Maia, and mechanics by Chefe Wilson Nivio Pereira Mendonca [Wilson holds a degree in Automotive Engineering from the National Institute of Technology in Indonesia].

Strawberry Production is being undertaken on a large scale in 2 separate locations- one in the valley below the Pousada, and the other about half way between Liquetei Eskola and Horaiquic ETVA. A range of vegetables is also being produced including cherry tomatoes.

Knitting [Project 6] is still required but no plastic bags are wanted in the bales. Bales to be labelled in Portuguese indicating items. Care packs of knitting were distributed to Mau Lau and school furniture to other Sucos recently.

Dental Project [Project 9]. Dental team will be welcomed when Team 54 comes in April to provide dental clinics at Maubisse Referral Hospital and Dental health workshops in schools.

Recommendations:

Art house- Project 3.

After inspection with Chefe Wilson Nivio Pereira Mendonca, it was agreed he would develop a full quote for the repair of the house for future use. There may be surplus materials in the volunteer house which could be used [doors, shelving, lights, timber etc]. The house will be utilised for a number of purposes including art, woodwork, music, engine and motorbike repair and as a youth centre.

Team 52 Report 4


Art House – Project 3 cont:

Requires white board, chairs and tables. Snr. Wilson will take responsibility to prepare a proposal costing and scoping the work

required at the Art House. This will include repairs to cracks in the floor, installation of a ceiling, shelving and doors for the toilets. A bamboo constructed outdoor kitchen requires restoration. The quote for repairs will be provided to Ken Hubbard [Team 53].

Some furniture from the recent container will be directed to the facility [weather permitting] but this will depend on availability after new classrooms at the Agricultural School are furnished.

Tools for mechanics training and woodcarving were requested. Graeme Lynas was provided with photos and will follow up with local companies.

An agreement has been signed by government officials, Snr. Luis, and the Suco to ensure the building can be made available. Copy is to be provided to Ken Hubbard [Team 53].

Next step is to secure the surroundings to access more space. An agreement will be developed [all government land]. Copies to be provided to Ken Hubbard [Team 53].

Furniture for outlying Sucos:

Chairs [200] and tables [20] are required to furnish meeting rooms in the outer Sucos. There are 12 centres throughout the Maubisse villages with no meeting facilities.

2. Scholarship Program - Project 2:

In 2018, 14 scholarship students are supported at university [UNTL Dili], 40 students at St Inacio de Loyola and 20 students at ETVA [Agricultural High School Maubisse]. Scholarship students were presented with certificates to acknowledge leadership, and academic and social progress. These were presented at three locations – St Inacio de Loyola, High School, ETVA Agricultural High School and Fundasaun Alola Dili.

Discussion:

For 2018, 40 new students from Maubisse have been accepted at University. Four of these are year 1 university scholarship recipients.

For 2019, the selection committee recommend no more than four sponsored places at UNTL – medicine, engineering, nursing and agriculture.

Snr. Luis will take responsibility for ensuring there is adequate information shared within each of the sucos to ensure students are well supported by families.

a) Presentation of Scholarship Awards:

Participants: Snr. Luis Casimiro Lopes, Snr. Wilson Nivio Pereira Mendonca, Cr. Jennifer Alden

PP Rotary Club of Bendigo Sandhurst Graeme Lynas, Heather Ridge, Liz Bannon, Sr. Henrietta.Team 52 Report 5


Cr. Jennifer Alden and Graeme Lynas presented certificates at St Inacio de Loyola High School and ETVA Agricultural High School. Sr. Luis spoke to the group at ETVA outlining the importance of their education to the Maubisse Community and the expectation that students would work hard at their studies and make the most of this special opportunity.

Sr. Henrietta and students from St Inacio de Loyola High School who have been accepted into courses at UNTL Dili for 2018. 40 Maubisse students will attend this year.

Four students sponsored in their first year at UNTL for 2018 have accepted entry to chosen university courses.

Hercilia Soares da Conceicao is the first student from Maubisse to be accepted to study medicine. Hercilia is being sponsored by a group of doctors from the Eaglehawk Medical Group.

Lucas Maria Mendonca [who previously planned to take an apprenticeship as a mechanic in Maubisse], was accepted into the Faculty of Veterinary Science.

Domingos da Conceicao Pereira and Idelmiero Barreto Orleons dos have both been accepted into the Faculty of Engineering and Construction. Idelmiero is very talented in music and wanted to pursue further studies in this area, but no courses were available to him. He has decided to accept his university offer for the faculty of Engineering and Construction.

Team 52 Report

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Sr Henrietta provided handwritten reports for each student. Award certificates were accompanied by letters and photos from most donors.

Assurances were given to manage equity in the allocation of scholarships, taking into account gender and school attended.

Scholarship students at ETVA [Agricultural School Horaiquic] with Snr Luis [Sub District Administrator] and Snr Wilson [Chefe Suco Maubisse].

b) University Scholarships – Project 2 [Fundasaun Alola Dili].

Team 52 Report 7


Background: In 2018, there are 14 University scholarship students from Maubisse. Courses include Medicine, Midwifery, High School Teaching [Physics, Biology], Accounting, Economic Management, Engineering, Construction, Political Science, Health and Nutrition, Veterinary Science and Information Technology. Students discussed their academic progress and commented on challenges in both their living circumstances and university courses.

Participants: Nuni Maria Nobre [Fundasaun Alola Scholarship Coordinator], Cr. Jennifer Alden, Graeme Lynas, Heather Ridge, Liz Bannon.

Discussion:

Scholarship awards presented to all but one student. Team 53 will meet with Alexandrina da Silva to discuss her progress. Nuni will make arrangements. Midwifery students - Agropina [Yr 4] & Mizela [Yr 3]

Carry over balance in Fundasaun Alola Scholarship account - $1856.77 USD. Transfer of funds to be confirmed - $16.520AUD transfer December 2017. 4 Laptops to be purchased for the year 1 university students. Fundasaun Alola staff will

arrange through their contract with Lenovo. Accounting procedures at Fundasaun Alola

discussed and found to be satisfactory. Academic reports from UNTL are to be followed up by students and Fundasaun Alola staff

when UNTL faculty staff return to work for semester 1. Reports will be provided to BMFC. Post script: Nuni Maria Nobre has informed the Fundasaun Alola team has met with all four

new year 1 university students to discuss courses and accommodation and explain requirements of the scholarship program. All students have signed the required agreement.

3. Teacher Training- Project 5 [Fundasaun Alola Education Team]:

Dinner Meeting with Ema de Sousa Freitas [Manager – Education Team Fundasaun Alola] & Nuni Maria Nobre [Coordinator – Scholarship Program Fundasaun Alola]

Discussion:

Fundasaun Alola Education Consultants team planned visit to undertake training in Bendigo Schools later in 2018. Dates to be confirmed. Ema de Sousa Freitas will develop proposal.

Focus – Guided Reading, Shared reading. Team will seek funding for flights and notify BMFC as soon as possible. Pre-school consultants to participate. 2 serviced laptops donated to Fundasaun Alola staff.

4. MASEU English Language Providers – Projects 2 & 4 [Carlos Mendonca]

Team 52 Report 8


Demolition and rebuilding project is still incomplete. Carlos expects classes to restart in July 2018.

5. ‘AH HA’ English Language Providers – Project 2 [Florenciana Amado -Coordinator].

New coordinator appointed for 2018. One manager coordinates 4 centres.

New student group have just commenced studies so too early to identify scholarship students.

Costs - $17 per month includes 3 meals each day. Courses are full time for 6 months.

Part time courses cost $8 for 3 weeks plus $5 registration – courses to commence soon.

Students daily schedule discussed including community service

expectations. Scholarship allocation of $360 USD discussed accountability requirements, including

reports and expenditure were emphasised. ‘AH HA’ coordinator will identify students for 2018 and inform members of Team 53.

6. Agricultural School – Projects 10 & 12 [ETVA Plant based curriculum]

Horaiquic - 6kms from Maubisse.

Participants: Snr Luis Casimiro Lopes, Snr. Wilson Nivio Pereira Mendonca, Snr. Sancho Jose Amaral [Vice Principal], Cr. Jennifer Alden, Graeme Lynas, Heather Ridge, Liz Bannon and school staff. Apology: Snr. Paulo Doutel Sarmento [School Principal – called away to Dili briefing with Ministry of Education].

Background:

The Agricultural School [ETVA] was established at the start of 2016 by the Timor Leste Government as a pilot program. The Ministry of Education curriculum has an agriculture focus and aims to address issues associated with food production, malnutrition and nutrition given Maubisse has long been considered the ‘food bowl’ of Timor Leste. The school is located in Horaiquic in buildings vacated by regional education office staff. The BMFC had been requested to provide support through project 12 of the Project Plan.

Discussion:

Only 1 copy of curriculum, written in Portuguese shared between 20 staff. This made it difficult to review the written curriculum and made any critical analysis difficult.

Programmes are extremely structured, with little to no capacity to integrate across subject areas.

Team 52 Report 9


Curriculum includes 4000 contact hours over 3 years, in 50 modules. ‘Crowded’ curriculum includes government priorities of four languages [English,

Portuguese, Indonesian and Tetun], civics, computers, religion, economics, entrepreneurship, maths, computer technology, chemistry and biology.

Little in the way of science, biology or horticultural teaching resources. Optional electives include economics, modern agriculture, production agriculture, society

transformation, climate change [20 hours], vegetable growing, equine and poultry studies. No chemical inputs are used and traditional agriculture techniques are taught. Focus is primarily on Horticulture. New agricultural high school to open in Feb. 2018 at Mau Lau [animal based curriculum]. Nutrition is taught in one unit in production agriculture module. Small school site led to use of adjacent community land using a three-month rotational

planting. Free use of land from community members and vegetables sold at the market. Seeds used are purchased from Dili and come from Indonesia. There is no seed saving. Centrally located building under construction [teachers accommodation] has shown no

development in the previous 12 months. Teacher accommodation, across the road from the school, is almost completed. Student accommodation is to be built within 5 years. No professional development in place for teachers. Teaching staff appear to work in their

one subject area in isolation. Vice Principal requested solar panels for the school. The planned water project for the school was not discussed due to the 3 rolls of poly pipe

previously purchased and identified for use at the school, being extradited for other unknown purposes. Government grant agreed to with Sub District Administration [see Project reviews – 1]

A new classroom block of 4 classrooms, under construction, was almost complete.

Little evidence of garden tools provided for the school presumably not yet delivered from the container.

Exercise books [donated by the Rotary Club of Bendigo] had been delivered and were distributed to students.

Team 52 Report

New Classrooms ETVA

10


‘Days for Girls’ workshops, [for 100 girls] were facilitated by Liz Bannon and kits distributed.

Identified Priorities

1. Discussions identified the building of a storage shed as the first priority to house a coffee roaster, 2 tractors, farming tools and to include workbenches and wall storage at a minimum. Shed construction will be a capacity building project for the students. Good water connection suggested but Snr. Luis indicated an application has been submitted through his office [to the government] to address water connection to the school.

2. Hothouse [plus hydroponics], to facilitate teaching an integrated curriculum, though chances of that appear remote. Solar pumps could be included in hydroponics construction. Near the school there are two areas that have been previously covered in shade cloth, of which one (800m sq.) is abandoned. One could be repaired and used for plant propagation. This could form a social enterprise to augment the plan for students to sell their produce to the local market. if repaired, could be used for hydroponic plant production, eg. Strawberries, lettuces, Asian greens. These are adjacent to the three new teacher housing accommodation complexes and are approximately 700m from the school. Considerable repairs to the shade cloth, polythene and a new hydroponic watering system would need to be undertaken prior to any constructive use. This would require government funding with full cooperation with the school and Sr. Luis as administrator. This would be a valuable resource for teaching as well as an income supplement for the school and locals if the community is fully involved.

3. A kitchen [future possibility] was discussed, particularly once student accommodation is provided. This would enhance curriculum aims to provide income streams and food production which would benefit the whole community. Many students stay with relatives in Horaiquic or walk from Maubisse to attend school. Accommodation provision could potentially release students from substantial domestic duties currently impacting study time.

Recommendations:

Storage shed:

Chefe Wilson indicated local professional builders exist. He will take responsibility for scoping and costing the design, materials and building of the storage shed.

Agreements are already in place regarding the land. Materials available in Timor Leste [some in Maubisse], steel in Dili. roofing iron available. All proposal paperwork will be provided to Ken Hubbard Team 53 in March. Graeme Lynas

will brief Ken on this process. The collection of used or unwanted garden tools is still required.

7. Art in Schools – Project 3.

Meeting held at Kindergarten Nazare, Lebulora, Maubisse.

Team 52 Report 11


Participants: Snr. Wilson Nivio Pereira Mendonca [Cheffe Suco Maubisse], Jose Maria de Jesus Mendonca [Music], Graciano Maia [Painting], Sr. Henrietta, Sr. Julietta, Cr. Jennifer Alden, Heather Ridge, Graeme Lynas, Liz Bannon.

Discussion: Team 53 will be conducting sewing and art classes from 7- 18 March. Ministry of Education will be advised [Snr. Luis to follow up and establish permission].

a) Sewing classes: Sewing machines have been issued to 4 women and 2 men who have agreed to bring them

to the Volunteer House when sewing lessons are proposed in March. Preferred venue for lessons is the Volunteer house where power is still available in the

event the generator is needed. Morning classes preferred because it often rains in the afternoons [3 days in a row was

suggested]. Snr. Luis is keen for the women to sew in their own homes, and the women are keen to

start with the intent they can earn an income from sewing in the future. Suggestion of a women’s sewing group is problematic at this stage because the women are

very competitive. Hopefully in the future this may develop. Women want to learn zig-zag stitch and buttonholes. At this stage, the women would not be keen to participate in a visit to Aileu because there

is strong competition between the communities. Request for activities with beads to make necklaces etc. Donations of beads and good

thread are also sought. Sewing projects need a lot of consideration. Suggestions would be welcomed from team

53.

b) Art Prize: Art prize proposed by Mayor of the City of Greater Bendigo Cr. Margaret O’Rourke with

winning works to be displayed in the City of Greater Bendigo Offices. Chefe Suco Maubisse Wilson Nivio Pereira Mendonca requested some to be framed and

displayed in the Chefe’s Administration office. Use of entry forms was endorsed with name, age, medium and subject of work listed. Group agreed numbers could be limited for entry and teachers would select/suggest those

who should/could enter. Agreed to display work in a special section of the exhibition. Intention to bring these art works to Bendigo should be explained. Group agreed this was a

great decision. Suggested if possible, canvas and acrylic paints be used – travel better and last longer. Snr. Luis and Snr. Wilson to present the prizes. Possibly 8 groups. Award certificates for all categories of prize - winners. First, second and

third prizes for each group. First prize – medallion, paints or pencils & certificate. Second prize – paints or pencils & certificate. Third prize – paints or pencils & certificate.

Cash prize not recommended.

Team 52 Report 12


c) Visual Arts in Schools Program: Timetable, groupings and curriculum all tabled and discussed. Agreed to timetable proposals and availability of rooms has been confirmed. Election

dates have now been set for May 12 rooms so classrooms at San Paulo are available. Henrietta gave assurance there would be rooms made available to accommodate art classes. Additional space will also be available at Liquetei – three classrooms.

Might need to reduce classes because of limitations on San Paulo and Loyola. One teacher could work out of the ‘Art House’.

An art program at Nazare Lebulora Kindergarten would be welcomed. This is the only kindergarten in Maubisse.

Sr. Henrietta will make arrangements for students from ‘AH HA’ to assist as interpreters – 2 per class.

Sr. Henrietta will meet with Principals from the schools to inform them regarding program. Would like to include music and wood carving in the future. Group agreed seeking permission from the Ministry was unnecessary. Snr. Luis will follow

this up.

8. Provision of Knitted Clothing – Project 6.

Text message from Sr. Henrietta to all Patti Cotton’s knitters:

‘Patti’s group of knitting women are loved and adored in Maubisse. Almost every home has been touched by their delicate, warm, soft knitted products. Some babies even wear the knitted wool to baptism ceremony at the church! Grateful thanks to all of them from the mothers and babies in Maubisse.’ See also comments in Sub District Administration meeting report [page 4].

9. Nazare Lebulora Kindergarten [Franciscan] – Project 11.

Team 52 Report 13


Participants: Snr. Wilson Nivio Pereira Mendonca [Cheffe Suco Maubisse], Jose Maria de Jesus Mendonca [Music], Graciano Maia [Painting], Sr. Henrietta, Sr. Julietta, Cr. Jennifer Alden, Heather Ridge, Graeme Lynas, Liz Bannon.

Presentation of funds:

Above: Cr. Jennifer Alden, Chefe Wilson Nivio Pereira Mendonca and Sr. Julietta. Above: Sr. Henrietta & Sr. Julietta.

Cont:

$500 was contributed to fund building an outdoor kitchen and toilet. Local builders have partially completed the structure and funds will enable purchase of

materials to concrete the floor and complete tiling.

10. Bairo Pite Clinic Dili [Dr. Dan Murphy] – Project 7.

Participants: Heather Ridge, Cr. Jennifer Alden, Liz Bannon, Graeme Lynas

Discussions:

Team 52 visited Dr. Dan’s Clinic to follow up delivery of Audio machine and Ultrasound gel donated through ’Keystone Radiology‘ [High Street XRAY Bendigo].

Dr. Dan thanked all those involved for supporting the clinic and emphasised that donations such as this are what keeps the clinic going.

The team briefly observed the daily 300-400 patients at the clinic with many more cases of malaria and dengue fever presenting as a result of the wet season.

Follow up email has been sent to ‘Keystone Radiology’.

Team 52 Report 14


11. Rotary [Rotarians Helping Timor] Office Representatives Dili

[BMFC budget item E B4]

Participants: Judite Martins, Mario de Jesus, Jennifer Alden, Graeme Lynas, Heather Ridge, Liz Bannon.

Met with both Judite and Mario in Dili for dinner. Donation of $1200 USD made to support salaries

and meet office costs. Assisted with accommodation and vehicle hire

arrangements in Dili – Rotary discount applied. Mario assisted with transport of team and

participation in meeting with Ego Lemos. Will assist with connections/guidance for building

requirements, government contacts/agencies and general problem solving for any future projects.

They will continue to assist with container arrangements – wharf, govt charges, transport to Maubisse etc. New container requirements discussed.

12. Volunteer House [BMFC budget item E B6].

Due to power outages the generator was required for 6 days whilst Team 52 were in Maubisse. The generator required some minor repairs and maintenance before it could be used. The hot water system took some time to ignite due to the build-up of mud and weeds in and around the pilot light. The tank filling watering system failed on two occasions due to local interference and in-pipe algal growth.

Future teams should consider other accommodation options if the required/necessary team members’ skills and willingness to operate all systems are not identified prior to travel. The circumstances Team 52 faced must be factored in to the risk management process. The Timor Plaza Hotel in Dili was a welcome respite after the time in Maubisse.

The following general maintenance and repairs were undertaken [appreciation to Graeme Lynas for his work].

Vegetation removed from back yard area. Weeds and silt removed from front porch. Work clothes removed from bedroom 3. Door handle set installed-door of bedroom 4. Cupboard door handle replaced bedroom 4.

Team 52 Report 15


Stick had been used to force louvers and tear fly wire in bedroom 4. Louvers repaired and ply installed to secure window [now weather and rat proof].

Excess items removed from bedroom 4 [microwave etc] and distributed to the community.

Two substantial holes in external walls of house

repaired. Front corner of storeroom [$30] and large hole under window of bedroom 3 required large rocks to replace foundations [$60]. Local trades used.

$50 power

voucher purchased

at shop next to ‘Saras’ at ‘Times Square’. Further cull of household items distributed to

community. Food items [out of date] culled and usual audit

completed. House well stocked. New handle installed on front wire door. Doors and trims scrubbed. Basic maintenance and tidy-up undertaken. New floor rug in lounge area. Pillows discarded – replacement pillows needed.

Suggest [to do]:

Paint shelves in bedroom 3 Paint drinks fridge.

Additional Meetings [not included in current BMFC program plan and budget]:

1. Days for Girls Project:

Participants: Liz Bannon, Cr. Jennifer Alden, Sr. Henrietta, School staff, Heather Ridge.

Reflections:

The usual shyness talking about very private things, and the shy joy in receiving the kits was problematic.

Year 12 girls had been scrubbing liners with a scrubbing brush and as a result had worn them out in 18 months - sooner than anticipated.

There was difficulty finding kits following the unpacking of the container [see reference to containers in previous section of the report].

Team 52 Report 16


Identification of the packages will have to be improved. It’s unclear if all packages were found because there was lack of clarity about how many

kits were sent. Liners were removed from 20-30 kits to replace the damaged liners for the year 12 girls. As

a result, not all year 10 girls were able to receive kits, which was quite unsatisfactory. The future of this project is unclear, and the demand is enormous. Clarity with the ‘Days for Girls’ organisation is being sorted but at this stage it is unclear if

the program will continue. Local fabric shops in Dili were checked and no suitable fabric for local manufacture was

sourced. This would mean there is no easy way for kits to be made locally, which is the ultimate aim of the ‘Days for Girls’ organisation.

2. Ego Lemos, CEO Permatil, Dili

Participants: Ego Lemos, Cr. Jennifer Alden, Graeme Lynas, Heather Ridge, Liz Bannon.

Background: Ego has been working as advisor to the Ministry of Education in developing a primary school permaculture curriculum [Prep to year 6] and establishing over 100 school gardens at primary schools across Timor Leste since 2016.

Discussion:

Maubisse will be targeted in 2018 to set up school gardens in schools at Rita [a sub village of Suco Edi] on the outskirts of Maubisse. Intent is to establish a model [compost, nursery, fences etc] and to invite parents and teachers to set up their own. A school garden committee has been established. All schools will have a three-day workshop for teachers and parents.

Once the model is established in Maubisse they intend employing a mentor to follow up school garden establishment.

Funding to support set-up has currently stopped because of the government election. Estimated cost to establish a garden is approximately $2,000USD.

Government distributed tools two years ago [no hose, bucket, clippers etc included] but some schools equipment has now gone.

Although seed storage is part of the curriculum, this has not been provided for. ‘Ballarat Friends’ have been working with the Ainaro garden. Some schools already have outdoor kitchens as a result of the government breakfast/lunch

program initiative, and are producing more than half the required food from their gardens for lunch programs.

Team 52 Report 17


The objective is to create school gardens as ‘Living Laboratories’ where any subject can be

taught. However, this relies on teacher knowledge of implementing an ‘integrated curriculum.’ Significant professional learning would need to be provided to enable this to occur.

Transfer of knowledge to students’ home gardens is the goal [there is some evidence this is happening at the agricultural school in Horaiquic].

The curriculum outlines links between local cuisine and the curriculum and is comprehensive. Sample lesson plans are provided but not being implemented by teachers.

Art and culture are the entry point in the curriculum for school gardens and there is now a Department of School gardens under the directorate of Social Action.

School garden permaculture training texts developed and printed (4,800) with financial support from NZ. The government has withheld these for the past two years. More are being printed in Portuguese and sent directly to schools. Government has directed they must now be in Portuguese [not tetum]. Unclear if some translated to Portuguese included in those in warehouse.

Inconsistent ‘buy in’ with local administrators and the community for purpose, process and systems will make long term, sustainable change difficult to implement.

Permatil is working with Friends of Ainaro, Atauro Island, Lolotoe, Oxfam in Suai and donors from France and Germany.

Ego has no involvement with the Agricultural School in Horaiquic or in the Ministry of Education Years 10-12 curriculum the school is required to follow. The school is able to make an approach to Ego for involvement, and this could assist the desire by staff for professional development.

Comparison made between Eskola Verde [Green School] as a business model and Permatil school gardens as an instructional model.

In November the next bi-annual permaculture Camp [5th camp] will take place in Maubisse, with over 1000 participants [youth over 17 years] attending. Location will be below the Pousada. There will be approximately 30 different rotating activities with an emphasis on water conservation and demonstration projects on display.

Team 52 Report 18


Music workshops will also be incorporated including the making of traditional instruments. This could provide a link with the request for provision of musical instruments for the proposed music program at the Art House in Maubisse.

Bamboo building materials also of interest, and could be used to demonstrate vertical gardens.

Permatil signed a Memorandum of Understanding in 2017 with the Ministry of Education allowing them to enter all primary schools in Timor Leste. This is due to Ego’s role in developing the government’s primary educational curriculum.

Currently schools are being targeted for school gardens from years 1 – 6. Next will be years 7 - 9. Central schools have years 1 - 9 and these schools can then invite local primary schools to attend for workshops.

Recommendations:

Ego to contact Snr Luis, Chefe Wilson and Agricultural School Principal Paulo to explore opportunities for future partnership work.

Ego to seek full support for the camp from local administrators [Snr. Luis, Snr. Wilson and Principals from both High Schools] given the target group is 17 year olds and the scheduled date could clash with school end of year examinations and national examinations for students in November.

BMFC provide scholarships for students to attend the Permaculture camp. [Cost - $30 per student].

3. Fundasaun Alola Dili

Economic Empowerment Participants: Jose, Ilda, Jennifer Alden and Liz Bannon.

Discussion:

Economic Empowerment program works with 30 women’s collectives in 7 municipalities Diversification of sewing increases the range of products and links to markets. Catalogue of products. Groups established for horticulture since 2011 in Maubisse, Ainaro, Viqueque, Manatutu. Hortiiculture enterprises include ‘Brigada’ strawberry farm at Maubisse (visited) that also

includes chickens and fish-ponds. There is a separate men’s group there. Animal agriculture at Los Palos and Aileu. People have 30 - 100 chickens. Problems with

poultry diseases, despite some vaccinations. Lack of money impacts medicine purchases. Ministry extension workers treat poultry.

Assists food security - excess eggs, meat sold at markets enabling purchase of chicken food. Management of this program problematic as people do not plan ahead. Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries assist with chicken food including local corn, meat,

vegetables, coconut and cassava.

Team 52 Report 19


Micro Loans for Women Program (approx. $1,500) has been integrated with Maternal and Child Health Programs and Business Skills Training. Micro Loans were described as ‘the seed’ and interest is ‘the fruit’.

Need local people to manage/coordinate.

4. Carmelite Health Clinic:

Particpants: Liz Bannon, Cr. Jennifer Alden.

Discussion:

Dr Kim, [Timorese] discussed his training in Cuba. He reported he has 5 years to repay, with approx 2 years completed.

He reported the hardest thing about living in Cuba for 5 years was no contact from home, and during which time his father died.

The major issues he is seeing are gastroenteritis from contaminated water, and scabies. He would like to do further study in dermatology and tropical medicine.

He showed the wall chart on the Billings method of natural fertility control, after receiving training recently.

The sisters were out on a clinic run.

5. Fundasaun Alola Dili

Maternal and Child Health

Particpants: Macu, Liz Bannon, Jennifer Alden.

Discussion:

Ainaro has the highest malnutrition rate in Timor Leste. CISCA health information packages provided to villages, with regular visits for

immunisations, midwifery and nutrition advice. Hard to engage with women in Maubisse (and also Aileu). Health posts staffing - most have doctors who were recently trained in setting up mother’s

groups [8 in Maubisse sub-district]. Only Manilobus doesn’t have a doctor. Several have midwives as well.

Midwives play broader health role. UNTL just graded midwifes and the government appoints to village where no staff at health

posts. Length of training 5 years for both nurses and doctors. General nurses must deliver 5

babies to qualify. Midwives must deliver 30. No professional development but other training is undertaken. Staff must complete 3 days

training before taking up a health post. In 2017 UNICEF provided training for Ainaro doctors on how to establish a mothers’

support and mentoring group as part of a National Program. It includes counselling and referral, identification of malnutrition and measurements of pregnant and breast feeding women and children. This program now needs to be integrated into health posts.

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Each group receives 4 days training: new born care, baby care, birth preparation planning, maternal and infant nutrition, weaning, malaria, immunisation, water and sanitation

NGOs have capacity building role only and then must hand back to Ministry of Health primary health care services.

Breast feeding rates: 2003 - 20.3%; 2009/10 - 52%; 2013 - 62% No family planning is undertaken with Fundasaun Alola in Maubisse. This needs local

discussion. Families typically have 12 to 15 children. In Dili, 5 to 6. In Los Palos apparently up to 24.

Last year big workshop on family planning provided by Marie Stopes Local objective for food security is for sufficient food to be available to families to fill the

nutrition gap. Information provided on how to identify food in the garden, how to cook it based on

children’s age. SHIO training provided with monthly cooking demonstrations in villages for mothers at accessible locations. Mothers must bring local foods. In Aileu people thought pumpkins only good to feed to pigs.

Some growers in community utilise Ministry of Ag extension officers, who provide seeds and training if requested.

Ministry of Agriculture Seeds of Life Program has spoken with Fundasaun Alola about working together.

Reflections [additional comments/observations from team members]:

Travel in Timor Leste

Unseasonal rain caused many roads to become impassable, which limited opportunity to visit some areas and meetings as planned. Road conditions were sometimes treacherous and tested 4wd driving skills. Whilst in Dili, using taxis [or when available Mario de Jesus or Judite Martins], could reduce vehicle hire expenses and the likelihood of accidents.

Gas bottles and esky

Could a credit for a returned gas bottle be arranged with the supplier and a full one picked up prior to going to Maubisse. A small, insulated freezer bag could be carried as hand luggage to eliminate the need for the esky for chilled or frozen foods. Additional time is spent going to and from the convent, particularly if those present at the convent have no awareness or knowledge of the systems historically in place.

Scholarships

The process and systems established for the scholarship programs are exceptional and all donors can feel confident that their funds are being handled with fiscal proprietary and the students are fully supported and mentored.

English Language Classes

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An independent proposal from central Victoria to provide English language classes for the Maubisse Community in 2018 was discussed. Concern was expressed that given the Bendigo Maubisse Friendship Committee was actively supporting two Maubisse-based English Language providers [building local capacity], an outside program may be seen as competition by sections of the community. Maubisse community representatives suggested continuing the current arrangement with scholarship students supported at both providers, one of which will recommence operation in July 2018. ‘AH HA’ has commenced their program [see report].

Ego Lemos:

Permaculture education for school students and the development of ‘in school gardens’ is another approach to food security. Ego presented last November at a national school gardens conference in Timor Leste. He will be speaking in Australia in March in NSW and then with the Friends network in Melbourne, before attending a permaculture conference in Canberra. Ego was involved in setting up Slow Food Dili recently, along with the establishment of Agora Food Studio social enterprise based on local and native foods. He teaches voluntarily at UNTL in sustainable agriculture and has assisted with practical fieldwork since 2011. He works with language plus with students with disabilities. Agricultural and school garden development could be enhanced through strengthened connections with Maubisse administrators and school personnel.

Maubisse Annual Festival and Celebrations

An invitation was extended to BMFC to attend the annual celebrations on June 9th. Historically there were 2 festivals – traditional and religious. These have now merged into one festival and community celebrations incorporating all 9 Sucos.

Agricultural School [ETVA]

Timor Leste suffers from seasonal food insecurity, with over 60% of farming families experiencing one month or more of food shortage annually. This has a negative impact on nutrition, with more than half of Timorese children younger than five years experiencing stunted growth. Public health outcomes are possible in the long term via education and increasing food security and reducing food and economic poverty.

Teamwork

If the volunteer house is going to be used then it is imperative for all team members to be able to contribute towards cooking, housekeeping and the necessity for ongoing cleaning and maintenance of the house. The required skills can be identified in team meetings prior to departure to ensure everyone clearly knows their capabilities and responsibilities. The availability of fresh vegetables, fruit and groceries should allow for a planned menu and task regime to be developed for each day.

Containers

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Recommend in future boxes and items for distribution be clearly labelled in both English and Portuguese. Labels/writing should be on both the top and sides to enable locals to identify quickly what is inside. Boxes should be packaged and strong enough to prevent any damage to the contents.

Organisation

The organisation by Heather Ridge for the team prior to and in Timor Leste was fantastic. Heather’s knowledge and understanding of the multitudes of requirements and intricacies was outstanding. Her professional manner was exhibited in all the meetings we undertook and her social and cultural skills ensured that the Bendigo Maubisse Friendship committee will continue to strengthen its relationships with all parties involved.

Team 52 Report 23

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