The "MORE" page (see link above right) provides an index of previous years' news,
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June 2009
Lynne Stone presenting one of the baby blankets to a mother and child at the Atabae Community Health Centre. Some of the ladies at the Enoggera Respite centre where Lynne works had make baby blankets and nappies for the babies. I was very humbled giving them to the mothers at the clinic, who were very grateful on receiving them.
Talking bout her recent trip to East Timor, Lynne Stone said, "One of the highlights was the opportunity to visit with Margaret and David and to see the Health clinic in Atabae. To see the skills and capabilities of Lepa, Maria and Carlita as they worked with the mothers and babies, was inspiring. At first there weren't many people there, but they soon came, walking of course (no cars or taxis) and some had walked for miles. They were all smiling, happy to have somewhere to come for advice, for help and a chance to sit with other people and chat."
"Listening to Margaret telling the history of the babies lives and the difficulties that they have had to overcome to survive, left me feeling so emotional, so humble, almost guilty because we here in Australia have so much and many take it all for granted."
Lynne concluded, "So I thank God for the people of East Timor who are humble, joyful and faithful. Thank God for Margaret and David who are an inspirational couple, making incredible differences in difficult circumstances and thank God for the people here in Australia who make it possible for this work to continue."
May 2009
The Halls reported recently that East Timor is very different now compared with when they first arrived in March 2006. "Then, all and any help was needed. There was very little work and limited opportunities for further education. Progress is being made..... There is also more education and work. This obviously affects how we now approach our own work commitments."
Since we returned in March this year we have had several meetings with key people. These meetings have been very positive and have reflected the appreciation of the people and their desire to emphasise the importance of the help from FPET and PALMS volunteers to continue to help and give support......The people are now becoming more confident, assertive and making their own decisions."
"Our help is still very much needed and we are aware of the changing atmosphere we need to develop our programmes in." Margaret and David also report that the community recognises the positive impact of the health clinic programs on the children's health. Margaret, David and the team will now be extending these programs to more villages. They expect that such programs will in future be seen as a normal service throughout the country.
This is Miguel. As you can see he is now a healthy looking boy but late last year his parents brought him, limp and lifeless, to the health centre we have established in Atabae. They had already been to a government clinic and were told that there was nothing that could be done for him - that he would die within 24 hours. Our nurse Margaret Hall, gave him a blood test, diagnosed a particular strain of malaria, intravenously injected him with fluids and antibiotics, and rushed him in our vehicle to Dili for further treatment. He is now healthy and strong. He is just one of the many who would probably have died if it had not been for the services provided through the clinic.
April 2009
Atabae subdistrict has a relatively dry climate and carrying water like this is a common sight in the dry seasons although there has been fairly good rains this year.
Although there has been a reasonably good wet season this year there will probably be water supply problems in some villages before the next wet season.
Being located on the north side of East Timor, the Atabae subdistrict is one of the drier areas of the country. More rain falls on the southern side of the country. As in many other tropical countries, there is usually a rainy season and a dry season but the wet season can be rather limited in Atabae subdistrict.
Apart from the time consumed in carrying water, the poor access to water is also linked to many health problems.
We hope to install some more rainwater tanks this year but we are also looking for other ways of improving the water supply situation.
March 2009
A brief visit to Brisbane earlier this year by the President of East Timor, Dr Jose Ramos-Horta, provided an opportunity for members of FPET to meet informally with the President and government staff travelling with him.
It was evident to us all that he is a man working very hard to build up his country and appreciative of the support he receives from Australia and elsewhere. This evening of relaxation was a brief respite for the President who had come from East Timor that day and was leaving for New Zealand early the next morning.
He has made a marvellous recovery from the injuries he received during the assassination attempt early last year. He is certainly an inspirational leader for his country.
We greatly enjoyed the opportunity to meet with this great man in such a relaxed and pleasant informal situation.
FPET was recently privileged to be able to enjoy an evening with the President of East Timor, Dr Jose Ramos-Horta when he stayed overnight with Deacon Gary and Lyn Stone. Lyn is pictured here with the President.
February 2009
Mike Dooley (right) was one of the FPET members who caught up with David and Margaret Hall recently in Brisbane.
David and Margaret Hall have been in Australia in recent weeks to meet up with family and friends but much of their time has been taken up with meetings with FPET members, PALMS staff and others on issues relating to their work in East Timor.
There have been many matters to discuss during our face to face meetings. A number of the issues relate to the faster implementation of Margaret's health program with the support being supplied by GRM International.
Other issues include considering options for community development and overcoming the difficulties that inevitably occur when working in a developing economy such as in East Timor.
January 2009
Our core activities for 2009
As outlined by the President in his Annual Report, our main activities envisaged for this year can be summarised under the following two points.
- Supporting our PALMS volunteers and their team to continue their programmes of Community Health and Development
- Helping the youth of the parish with teaching and trade scholarships, and by supporting Comoning Youth Association.
Our monthly meetings resume for 2009 on Monday 2 February at our regular venue and time. Details here.
Some of the 15 Don Bosco graduates with David Hall after their graduation ceremony in October 2008
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Winner of the 2005 Anzac Peace Prize Page last modified on 9 June 2009 Top of page
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