Geelong students build links with Timor-Leste
27 June 2014
The Australian Embassy in Dili hosted Geelong Christian School students and staff on 27 June during their visit to Timor-Leste, continuing a long standing partnership with communities in the south-eastern district of Viqueque.
The school, which has its own dairy farm outside Geelong on the Bellarine Peninsula, started its partnership after piloting a dairy cattle industry project in Viqueque in 2005 and 2006. This partnership quickly led to an annual visit program with an education focus.
The partnership has seen the construction of a kindergarten in Rata Hau sub-village and a primary school and community housing in Kraras village. The school’s program has supported employment of five Timorese staff in Viqueque including three kindergarten teachers, a coordinator and computer trainer.
Geelong Christian School has also supported Timorese to travel to Australia for medical and teacher training. Geelong Christian School Business Manager, Chris Maddock, said the group of 18 students this year focused on raising funds for the construction of a new toilet block at the school in Rata Hau.
“We have built a ‘Friendship Home’ in Viqueque which doubles as a community centre and accommodation for visiting groups from the Geelong Christian School,” he said.
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| Geelong Christian School students joined local journalists outside the Embassy on 27 June 2014. Photo: Australian Embassy Dili |