This year 16 people from Nazareth Catholic Community travelled to Timor-Leste.
This was the fifth Nazareth Outreach Work (NOW) trip, conducted in partnership with The Good Crocodile Foundation, Rotary International and Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS).
For Leanna Vita, a 2012 Nazareth graduate the experience was life-changing:
“Being given the opportunity to spend two weeks in Timor-Leste and participate in the projects was one of the most fulfilling experiences I’ve ever had, and I’m so grateful for my opportunity to participate,” Leanna said.
A container was organised and shipped. It contained resources and equipment for the local community, including tables, chairs, medical equipment, family packs, books, blankets, pencils, paper and lots of sporting equipment.
20 computers and other IT equipment were also shipped. Volunteers spent time installing the equipment across Triloka Village, in community buildings and schools. They are now being used to manage medical information, for admin work, for training and education.
“My favourite thing about being in Timor-Leste was seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces. We just want to be there to help them and support them with their projects” said Leanna.
As well as visiting schools, volunteers painted a community toilet block in Waisa’a Village, a community building in Triloka Village and parts of Maternity Clinic.
Above everything, the most important thing we’ve found in NOW is developing relationships. Our relationship with Timor is constantly strengthening, which means our desire to do this work is constantly growing, and our projects are getting bigger each year. Our Timorese friends have become family to us, and we plan to continue working in Timor well into the foreseeable future. Without the support of our partners and sponsors our work wouldn’t be possible and we are extremely thankful to those organisations who continue to provide NOW with the capacity to change lives:
Follow the link for comments from participants who took part in the 2016 project.
Here’s a reflection by Maddi.
For more information about Nazareth Outreach Work please visit their website and watch the Nazareth Outreach Work - Timor Leste Trip 2016 video below:
Reception students who join a 2024 mid-year intake at a Diocesan Catholic school will get free tuition in Terms 3 and 4.
