During May, 2 members of Friends of Lacluta, Andy and Barbara, were lucky enough to travel with Jo and Stephen on a particularly special trip encompassing the Timor Leste districts connected to Wangaratta, Atauro Barry's PlaceIndigo and Mansfield Shires. We also visited the 3rdhighest mountain in TL, Mt Matebian (2316m). The area here is spectacular.

Stephen took many beautiful photos while Jo worked with groups of children to produce fascinating paintings, many using paint and brushes for the first time.

We spent 2 weeks in Lacluta where we visited and distributed supplies to schools in a number of the local sukos (villages). To do this we travelled quite a few kilometCalculators in pre secondarioDilorres along river valleys and up over mountains. It is fascinating to find small communities around the most unlikely corners and amazing to think how far the people walk to get from one place to another.

The Middle School Maths class was delighted to receive 10 scientific calculators funded by 4 girls from Marian College, Myrtleford.

For the 3rd time now More Days for Girls (daysforgirls.org) packs were distributed to girls in Year 10. These packs mean that the girls are more likely to attend school regularly. The girls now know what is coming and are very eager to have their own pack. Thanks to sewing by women in Myrtleford, Wangaratta and many DfG girlsCatholic Women group members around Victoria we have, so far, had an ample supply of these packs.

Aitana kinder (Note the floor)High in a mountain village we found 2 more children with cleft lips and palates. The families of these children have now been connected with the National Hospital in Dili and they will attend a clinic in early August. An older boy who has had his lip mended will now have further work on his palate.

 

flag raisingA highlight of Barbara’s stay in Lacluta was to attend, on 20th Trad warriorsMay, the local celebration of Restoration of Independence. We were honored by a formal invitation to this ceremony and to have our efforts mentioned by the main speaker, Rui da Costa (Administrator of Lacluta).