ASSORTED NEWS
Walk 4TIMOR
For the past 8 years, students and teachers from St John’s have given up their September/October holiday break to travel to Timor Leste, one of the poorest nations in the world. The group visits the same communities each year, immersing themselves in the communities and forged wonderful, ongoing relationships. St John’s has been able to offer support to these communities through donations of educational supplies, assistance with school fees, musical instruments, support and participation in a food and medical program and other resources which many Timorese can simply not afford.
Sadly, due to COVID19, this trip will not be proceeding. This is very disappointing for the group that was to travel next week, but more importantly, it means that none of the usual donations will be made.
To alleviate this in some way, and on the initiative of students, a fundraiser has been organised. Each Thursday, students and staff will be walking laps of the oval at lunchtime. The aim is to provide the opportunity to have a conversation about Timor Leste and the differences in the situation in our two countries. For example, the government of Timor Leste were able to provide some financial assistance to the people during the COVID crisis. Each family (not each person) received a total of $300 in aid this year.
In Timor, many people walk to their destinations as other transport options may not be available or affordable. Walking provides the opportunity for groups of people to
have a great chat while on their journey. The following distance targets have been suggested, however any level of participation is fabulous;
8 km - the distance from Dili Airport to the Dominican Orphanage
25 km - the distance from Dili to Railaco, where the food and medical program is located.
Thankfully, Timor Leste is currently Covid free, however, relatively poor services and infrastructure mean that an outbreak remains a dangerous possibility.
The fundraiser will continue through until next term. Donations can be made at the student foyer each Monday and Thursday Lunch 1, or directly to the office. Donations will be evenly distributed between the Dominican Orphanage in Dili and the food and medical program in Railaco.
So why not get a small group together and go for a walk? It is a great opportunity to spend some time with family and friends, take some time to think about people in a difficult situation and (PLEASE!) make a contribution to our friends in Timor Leste.
For any further information, please contact Mr David Muller, Immersion Coordinator