A $30,000 donation makes a world of difference

March 25, 2009

During his recent visit to Australia, Snr Vitor dos Santos, Administrator of Ermera District, Timor Leste, insisted that his itinerary included a visit to Beaconhills College. On Monday 2 March the local Mayor of a remote, mountainous regions of East Timor, spent time with Beaconhills students and staff to acknowledge the significant contribution that the College has made to ’20 de Septembo’ one the most isolated, rural schools in his district.

The College has raised almost $30,000 as part of their Giving and Service Programme, which has been donated to the East Timorese School over the past three years. The money raised by the students of Beaconhills College, is financing a staged building project for the Village. So far, the money donated has enabled the completion of two school classrooms, a regular supply of clean water and improved toilet facilities. The next phase of the building project will see a further three classrooms built over the next twelve months.

Snr Santos, described what life is like for children in Timor Leste explaining that the local community, who live without the aid of buses, trains or cars, are required to walk for up to three hours to get to school.
He spoke of the many problems his people face as they strive to improve their living conditions. He said that the aim of the project is to educate the people in the community and equip them with the knowledge and skills to undertake projects that will be of benefit in the future, “It is about helping the local people to build a better tomorrow, not a short term – quick fix.”

In addition to the money raised for their ‘friendship school’ in East Timor, Beaconhills students have donated stationery items, musical instruments, football boots and photograph albums.

During a friendship ceremony, Snr Santos presented Mrs Judy Barton, Head of Junior School at the Village Campus, with a hand-woven scarf as a token of friendship and gratitude to the Beaconhills school community. In his presentation, Snr Victor expressed thanks the school community for their generosity over the last six years. He said that “Beaconhills is making a real difference and our efforts are greatly appreciated by his community.”

Beaconhills ‘Giving and Service Programme,’ co-ordinated by Mrs Barton, informs students about issues affecting communities across the globe. Mrs Barton said that the programme is about “Educating students about areas where people are not as privileged as themselves.” She went on to say, that “students are encouraged to become active in making the world a more equal place and seek out ways that they, as individuals, can make a difference.”