Strengthening ties with Timor-Leste
27 November 2008
The past three weeks have been full of new experiences for East-Timorese social and economic development officer Mario Soares.
From intensive English lessons and studying local elections to paying a visit to Kangan Batman TAFE's Gunung-Willam-Balluk Indigenous Education Centre, Mario's month-long visit to Australia is an opportunity to learn new things and strengthen the ties between Australia and Timor-Leste (East Timor).
In his role as social and economic development officer for the district of Aileu in Timor-Leste, Mario has been instrumental in developing the Friends of Aileu partnership project between the people of Aileu, the communities and councils of Moreland and Hume, and other project partners including Kangan Batman TAFE.
He is responsible for the economic and social development in the district of Aileu, in particular assisting people to access services, coordination of aid and monitoring prices of goods, among many other activities. He is also responsible for communication between the Aileu Friendship Commission, which manages projects funded by the Friends of Aileu, and Moreland and Hume City Councils.
Mario's visit to Kangan Batman TAFE's Broadmeadows campus last week included a guided tour of the Indigenous Education Centre and an opportunity to meet Friends of Aileu volunteers and supporters.
"This (visit) is a chance to meet with the organisations here who support Aileu and to thank everyone and let them know how their support is changing lives in Timor-Leste," he said.
Friends of Aileu has a particular focus on building local democracy and a sustainable future for the people of Aileu, and responding to the needs of the young people.
Current projects include establishing solar lighting in public buildings and the purchase of a car to provide health support and a midwifery service to patients through the district. Mario said Kangan Batman TAFE staff members and supporters have been instrumental in raising funds for these vital projects.
"All money and goods donated to the Friends of Aileu is distributed by a committee with 16 community bodies including representatives for youth, women, the Catholic and Protestant churches, education and health," he said.
"We are seeing great things happening in these communities with the funds from Friends of Aileu. One of our goals is to encourage and help young people get an education - this is very important. We also want to create a clean environment and address health issues for the people in these communities."
Along with a tour of the aviation building and a meet-and-greet with staff and students, Mario was also treated to a guided tour of the Gunung-Willam-Balluk centre by Kangan Batman TAFE teacher Linc Yow Yeh.
"I'm very interested in the indigenous people of Australia and had only read books to learn about them until I met with Linc," Mario said.
"I was very interested to learn about his own story and the local indigenous people."
During his visit to Australia, Mario has also met with a range of people from organisations involved with supporting Friends of Aileu and Timor-Leste, including the Moreland Community Health Service, Australian Volunteers International, the Alternative Technology Association, the Shire of Campaspe and the Moora Moora Cooperative Community.
He will also observe the conduct of the local government elections in Victoria in preparation for the transition to elected municipal government in Timor-Leste.
