Approved by BMFC Nov 2016

Bendigo Maubisse Friendship Committee

Team 49 Report

9-18 January 2017.

Community Meeting Delegation

Team 49 Report 1

Approved by BMFC Nov 2016

Author: Heather Ridge

Team Leaders: Mayor: Cr. Margaret O’Rourke Heather Ridge

Team Members: Ken Hubbard, Rod Flavell.

Purpose of visit: - Description:Team 49 will participate in a range of meetings to establish the effectiveness of partnership work undertaken with the Maubisse Community.

Community Meeting:Team 49 will participate in a Community meeting facilitated by the Sub District Administrator of Maubisse and the Mayor of the City of Greater Bendigo. Members of the Bendigo Maubisse Friendship Committee will attend. Representatives of agencies and Maubisse community organizations will be invited to attend to undertake a review and assessment of completed projects.

Project requests were agreed to by the Maubisse community, in partnership with the Bendigo Maubisse Friendship Committee [BMFC] at the previous community meeting held in Maubisse in February 2015. 97% of projects agreed to, have been completed by BMFC volunteer work teams. Completed projects will be reviewed. Possible projects will be identified for the coming two-year period.

Meeting arrangements will be the responsibility of the coordinating committee in Maubisse who have arranged for the meeting to be held on January 12. A formal lunch with the Administration and all newly elected Cheffe de Sucos will be held in the local church.

Scholarship Program:The scholarship program and English Language programs will be reviewed with respect to reporting and implementation. Scholarship students will be interviewed.

Art Project:The Art Project will be reviewed with consideration for 2017 implementation, local staffing and future expansion. Project development and future support will be discussed.

Dental Program:The Dental Proposal will be discussed with respect to possible implementation. Project development, delivery and future support will be explored.

Teacher Training:The next phase of the teacher-training program is scheduled to take place in Bendigo mid-year 2017. Project development will be discussed with the Education Team in Dili.

Team 49 Report 2

Approved by BMFC Nov 2016

Scheduled discussions:

1. Sr. Luis Casimiro Lopes [Sub District Administrator for Maubisse]

Translator: Sr Henrietta.

9 new Cheffes appointed to each Suco – young, enthusiastic and will bring bright ideas to each community.

Scholarship program has been very successful and is creating futures for many students, including release from arranged marriage contracts.

Community meeting agenda discussed. City of Greater Bendigo code of conduct and expectations of respectful behaviour by all

team members discussed. Project processes discussed. Sr. Luis re-emphasised the need for each project team to

meet with him to discuss any project work being undertaken in the Maubisse community, even when prior approval has been given.

All projects must be endorsed by the District Administration and Sub District Administration and must adhere to local agreements, processes, protocols and Timor Leste Government legislation. Permission from local organisations regarding ownership of land [e.g. Government, Catholic Church] must be discussed and clarified with Administrative bodies before proceeding.

Complaints received from District Administrator in Ainaro, and Government officials in Dili, that Carmelite projects have not complied.

Concerns expressed for the health of Father Feliciano. Container goods being distributed by some volunteers without consultation. All

distribution of goods to be managed by Sr. Luis.

2. Presentation of Scholarship Awards:

Sub District Administrator: Sr. Luis Casimiro Lopes

Mayor of City of Greater Bendigo Cr. Margaret O’Rourke

Translator: Sr. Henrietta.

Sr. Luis spoke to the group outlining the importance of their education to the Maubisse Community and the expectation that students would work hard at their studies and make the most of this special opportunity. Cr. O’Rourke presented certificates to all 2017 scholarship recipients. Accompanying letters from each donor and handwritten reports for students were exchanged, along with letters for their donors. Each of the 38 University and High School students made a speech to Cr. O’Rourke describing their appreciation for the generosity of the scholarship donors and their commitment to studying diligently in the future.

Team 49 Report 3

Approved by BMFC Nov 2016

Elidio Martins Dos Santos Yr 2 UNTL Leonia Alves da Gloria – Yr 1 UNTL

Donors: Agata Chmielewski Lola Miller Memorial Scholarship Award.

& Don Sharples - Melbourne.

In 2017, there are 10 University scholarship students, 10 students at the Agricultural High School and 18 students from the St Inacio de Loyola High School. Students outlined their preferred future study pathways. These included Midwifery, Science Teaching, Mechanics, Police force, Nutrition and Information Technology. They also described the impact of the scholarship for their future.

3. Community Meeting:

Co Facilitators: Sr. Luis Casimiro Lopes [Sub-District Administrator Maubisse]

Mayor City of Greater Bendigo Cr. Margaret O’Rourke

Translator: Sr. Henrietta.

The 2017 Community Meeting was facilitated by the Sub-District Administrator of Maubisse, Sr. Luis Casimiro Lopes and the Mayor of the City of Greater Bendigo Cr. Margaret O’Rourke. Heather Ridge, Ken Hubbard and Rod Flavell represented the Bendigo Maubisse Friendship Committee. Representatives from the Maubisse community included newly elected Cheffes from all 9 Sucos, Maubisse Referral Hospital, Franciscan and Carmelite Religious Orders, Sub District staff, School Principals, English Language providers, and Art Project representatives. Sr. Henrietta translated the full discussion. This was recorded on chart paper in English, and later translated into Tetun. The transcript was then distributed to the Sub District Administrator and participants. All who attended participated in a review of completed projects.

Team 49 Report 4

Approved by BMFC Nov 2016

Community Meeting Mayor and Cheffes from all 9 Sucos

All projects were reported to be valued. General information was provided to community participants regarding the following:

Background on the function of the BMFC and accountability to the City of Greater Bendigo Council

Funding provision and fundraising All funds are used in the service of projects for the Maubisse Community No funds are provided directly to the Sub District Administration for any purpose Process for prioritizing projects was outlined Scholarship project funding and coordination through Fundasaun Alola All projects undertaken by teams under the auspices of BMFC must adhere to local

processes and protocols and meet legislation requirements No project will be undertaken without prior approval from the District and Sub District

Administration. Consultation will take place to prioritize projects.

The majority of projects prioritized in 2015 were completed with the support of 12 BMFC volunteer work teams and delivery of 4 containers. In all there were 13 completed projects and a further 3 projects which have been commenced and will be carried over into the 2017-19 period. 2 projects were not attempted because of changed circumstances, and following discussion with the Sub District Administration, advice was taken not to proceed. All completed projects were reviewed and these included the following:

Supply of knitted goods for infants and families

Art program and exhibitions Scholarships Ultrasound training Water storage to Pre-birth mothers

accommodation Provision of school furniture Replacement of Mau Lau school roof BMFC relationship Whipper Snipper for Maubisse

Community use.

Team 49 Report 5

Approved by BMFC Nov 2016

2017-19 - Continued projects: Request for knitting provided by Bendigo knitters to include clothing for infants with

the addition of jumpers for mothers. All knitting will be the responsibility of Sr. Luis, who will distribute to the Carmelite Clinic, Maubisse Referral Hospital and to outlying villages.

Scholarship program Art Project Provision of school furniture.

Requests for future Projects: Senior and Junior High Schools-window grills, sanitation system and small library

building and books. Agricultural School [Horaiquic]-water connection, gardening tools, storage for

equipment. Kindergarten [Lebulora] – Outdoor kitchen for firewood, small toilet and water

connection, window-grills and door. Suco Maubisse – water connection to 12 villages, rehabilitation centre for youth and

art centres, whipper snipper, rehabilitation of toilets in the market place, new office building for the villages

Suco Edi – rehabilitation of school [3 classrooms] staff toilets and water connection. Suco Maulau – Rehabilitation of school building [3 classrooms] and water connection. Suco Liurai – new school building [3 classrooms], school fence and water connection to

Erbean village. Suco Fatubesi – youth centre building and water connection to villages. Balibo school – Rehabilitation of school building [4 classrooms] Rileco school – Rehabilitation of school building [4 classrooms] Exchange visitation-local members of BMFC visit Bendigo Carmelite Sisters – new building for office and toilets near the kitchen building.

Continue knitting project. Continue Scholarships, art program, knitting and furniture – public request Maubisse referral hospital – Ultrasound training and Dental project.

These projects will be discussed with Bendigo partners to establish possibilities future project work. Recommendations will be communicated with Sr. Luis for approval.Mayor O’Rourke presented gifts to each Cheffe de Suco, Sr. Luis and Sr. Henrietta to acknowledge their support. Copies of the BMFC Annual Report and newsletters were also presented.

4. MASEU English Language Providers

Carlos Mendonca

Demolition and rebuilding project currently underway since the building was found to be unstable. Carlos expects classes to restart in March 2017.

Reports for 2016 students will be provided to Ken Hubbard when the Art team visits later in 2017. 12 student reports will be made available.

Scholarship allocation of $360 USD discussed and the accountability requirements, including reports and expenditure were emphasised.

Team 49 Report 6

Approved by BMFC Nov 2016

5. ‘AH HA’ English Language Providers – Fernando [Coordinator].

Name change from SOLS to ‘AH HA’. New company is global and based in USA. One manager coordinates 4 centres. No trainees currently – some at university and some have taken positions as managers. Costs - $17 per month includes 3 meals each day. Courses are full time for 6 months. Part time courses cost $8 for 3 weeks plus $5 registration. Students daily schedule discussed including community service expectations. Scholarship allocation of $360 USD discussed and the accountability requirements,

including reports and expenditure were emphasised. ‘AH HA’ assisting in provision of English classes for altar boys and girls at the Carmelite

clinic. These are free classes for a small number of students with no books and materials provided.

Fernando raised concern. 34 computer-screens and keyboards provided to them by previous team – 4 hard drives but none are working and no technical back up. All are stored under beds.

‘AH HA’ English Language Provider Maubisse.

6. Agricultural High School – Horaiquic.

Established for students unable to afford fees for St Inacio de Loyola.

Free enrolment. Year 10- estimated 60 to 80 students in 2017. Year 11 – estimated 100 to 110 students in 2017. Year 12 will commence in 2017. These students

will sit National Examination in November. 2 storey accommodation is being built on site to

provide 80 beds for students who live long distances from the school. Water connection and sanitation still required.

Team 49 Report 7

Approved by BMFC Nov 2016

7. Art Program – Ken Hubbard

Maubisse Art in Schools Program14 members of the community attended this meeting to review previous Art Programs and to develop the 2017 program. Community representatives emphasized they want to continue to learn new things.

Timing: early June 2017. Staffing: Bendigo team - four teachers to be

matched with four teachers from Maubisse schools - important to involve Maubisse teachers to develop their skills and knowledge of teaching art. ‘AH HA’ instructors will be used as interpreters if necessary. Junior High School will also provide English teachers for translation.

Schools involved: Two Maubisse primary schools, Maubisse Junior and Senior High Schools, Agriculture High School at Horaiquic, Liquetei Primary School and others.

Accommodation: Four classrooms located at the Maubisse Junior High School. Timetable: Over 10 days, Twenty-four groups of thirty students each. Each student to

attend three sessions of two hours duration ie six hours for each student. Maubisse representatives to arrange schedule and timetable. Program Content: The Timor Leste Ministry of Education has produced an art

curriculum so the program offered must be aligned. Formal approval must be gained from the Ministry to teach the program in E.T. Ema de Sousa Freitas [Coordinator Teacher Training Team Fundasaun Alola] will forward an outline of the curriculum and a program will be developed once this is received. The developed program will be forwarded to Ema to seek Ministry approval for implementation.

Suggested activities: Drawing, painting, murals, collage using recycled materials, and print making.

Materials: coloured pencils, paper, crayons, powder paint, paint pallets, water containers, paint-brushes. 

Maubisse Art Program Planning Committee members: Principals and teachers of schools involved, Sr. Henrietta, Shigi Takahashi, and Erlijn Takahashi, Maubisse Cheffe de Suco, and others.

Women's Craft Group: Crocheting, stitching, beading. Exhibition to be held in church hall at conclusion of workshops. Mayor of City of Greater Bendigo to offer prize. Art facility suggested by group. Building allocated to the Cheffe near Pousada offered

as a permanent display and storage space. House in poor condition but habitable. Community keen to develop local contact person and establish a display space for

completed pieces. Evaluation: The planning committee to organise an evaluation meeting at the

conclusion of the program. A written evaluation will be completed.

Team 49 Report 8

Approved by BMFC Nov 2016

Appointment of shared Art teacher between local schools:

Proposal must be developed before this can be progressed. Shige to develop proposal and consult with Ema de Sousa Freitas, Ministry of

Education and Catholic Education District Inspector of Schools. Once approval is given, costs should be established and a request, accompanied by the

proposal should be sent to BMFC.

8. Pre-Birth Mother’s Temporary Accommodation [Carmelites].

6 bed accommodation not being used during our visit. Average of 2 mothers per week. Room being used as storeroom currently. Sr Inacia anticipates proposed emergency phone alert government program may result

in increased numbers. High numbers of mothers bringing children for vaccinations. Malnutrition still huge challenge.

9. Sr. Lourdes – ‘Meals on Heels’ Kitchen Program

Approx 12 meals delivered each day - four days per week. Government provision of rice for project – 5kgs per person. Each person receives 1

meal each fortnight.

10. Maubisse Referral Hospital

Julio Mendonca – Assistant Director

A tour of hospital facilities was arranged. The hospital services the Districts of Same, Airnaro and Maubisse and is government funded. Catchment area is approx 80.000.

365 births per year. Limited medical supplies and antiquated Xray facilities. Staffing: 1x Administrator, 1x Assistant Administrator,

11xGPs, 5xCuban Specialists, 24xNursing staff, 11xMidwives, 1xPaediatrician, 2xDental Staff and 1xDental nurse.

Most common treatment is for respiratory infections, malnutrition and TB.

Team 49 Report 9

Approved by BMFC Nov 2016

11. Dental Project

Scoping for provision of dental health services at Maubisse Referral Hospital took place in January 2016 by a representative from North Richmond Community Health [Dental Health provider in Aileu]. Key issues identified at that time included:

Provision of visiting dentists to support and build capacity of the dental health clinic staff and provide outreach services in the district

Ongoing training identified to build the skills of dental staff Audit of equipment currently provided Provision of consumables required Oral Hygiene programs in schools and community

BMFC dental project aims to support development of a sustainable dental service to support existing services and build capacity to manage their own services. Scoping for this visit included:

Undertaking a tour of Maubisse Referral Hospital and Dental Clinic Meetings with medical and dental staff Identifying staff dental training needs Auditing dental equipment available and consumables required Video and photos of clinic facilities

Key Findings:

Feedback from dental staff indicated the main works undertaken are fillings and extractions. The condition of teeth and costs associated with ongoing dental work for many clients necessitated extractions as the best short-term solution. The condition of the population’s dental health is described as very good or very bad – usually worse for older people who chew beetle nut and cannot afford dental services.

Dental Therapist Training Requirements :

Anaesthesia (dental block/infiltration) Minor surgical procedures Dental X- Ray Restorative work (fillings) Acrylic tooth manufacture Possible future training opportunities at La

Trobe University Bendigo Dental School will be raised in future discussions with the University.

Equipment and Consumables Audit

Contact has been made with a group in Melbourne who requested an audit of the clinic’s equipment as part of this visit, with a view of either undertaking maintenance or replacement.

Team 49 Report 10

Approved by BMFC Nov 2016

Specific issues identified:

New dental chair cannot be moved up or down when treating patients. Need a camera monitor on the dental chair to assist staff to explain issues to clients. Another chair for dental staff is required when undertaking procedures. New lamp at the dental chair. Dental needles (long and short). Dental high-speed handpieces x 2. Anaesthetics and anti- bacterial

agents. Mirror and mirror handles x 20. College tweezers x 10. Probes x 20. Dental extraction equipment

(elevators/forceps) for adults and children x 2.

Dental Xray film x 5 (current stock out of date). Composite material

Total cost of supplying these materials would be around $5000 +. Funding or donations through funding bodies and corporations may be options.

Progress to Date and New Initiatives

Progress has been slow since the original request for improved dental services was received. Considerable background work identified potential partners and strategies to support the dental health program. The following key initiatives have been recently implemented:

Sydney Rotary Dental Group [previously visited Maubisse Clinic annually] have committed to providing 2 visits per year. This will include providing dental staff at the clinic and outreach services to more remote district areas.

Qualified Timorese dentist is scheduled to commence full time at the Maubisse Dental Clinic in late January.

Next Steps – Short-term considerations:

1. Arrange a dental team of 2 to visit Maubisse from April 22 for two weeks to liaise with the Sydney Dental Group about the future of the dental program and the capacity of BMFC to support the program.

2. Assist with provision of listed dental equipment and consumables.3. Explore the possibility of establishing a formal relationship with La Trobe University

Bendigo with development of dental services in Maubisse, including training for two dental therapists. This may involve bringing the staff to Bendigo.

4. Provide Oral Hygiene Training for ‘dental champions’ [parents, teachers and community].

5. Explore funding and agency support such as government departments, health service providers, Rotary and other not- for- profit agencies.

Team 49 Report 11

Approved by BMFC Nov 2016

Summary

Team 49’s visit to the Maubisse Hospital Dental Clinic provided a general overview of services provided and facility conditions. Understanding the dental clinic’s operation and access to empirical data on the performance of the clinic was incomplete as the medical Director was unavailable. Sydney Rotary Dental Group commitment to provide two visits annually to Maubisse, plus the placement of a full time dentist at the clinic are significant steps forward to achieving a sustainable service for the district. The invitation from the Sydney Group for BMFC to send a dental team to Maubisse in April for two weeks provides opportunity for a more clinical assessment of future needs of the community. It provides insight about the level of commitment and support the dental service will require from BMFC in the future.

12. Fundasaun Alola - Dili.

Nuni Maria Nobre [Scholarship Coordinator]

Ema de Sousa Freitas [Coordinator Education Teacher Training Team]

Scholarships:

Carry over balance in Fundasaun Alola Scholarship account - $2691.39 USD. Transfer of funds – amount not yet confirmed - $14.500AUD transfer in December. 8 Laptops to be purchased for University students. Fundasaun Alola Staff will arrange. Mizela’s laptop problem will be attended to by the Alola technician and charged to

Scholarship account. Academic reports from UNTL are to be followed up by students and Fundasaun Alola

staff when Faculty Staff has returned to work for the start of the semester. Reports will be provided to BMFC.

Teacher Training:

Fundasaun Alola Education Consultants team planned visit to undertake training in Bendigo Schools later in 2017. Dates to be confirmed.

Focus – Guided Reading, Shared reading. Accommodation discussed – Ema de

Sousa Freitas will communicate preferences.

Team will seek funding for flights.

Team 49 Report 12

Approved by BMFC Nov 2016

13. Rotary [RAWCS] Office Representatives Dili

Judite Martins and Mario de Jesus.

Met with both Judite and Mario for dinner. Salaries met by Rotary International. They will assist any teams in future with accommodation and vehicle hire

arrangements in Dili – Rotary discount applied. Rotary now has a new 4WD vehicle for hire - $100 [USD] per day with $200 insurance

costs. Insurance costs are returned when vehicle is returned undamaged. They can assist with connections/guidance for building requirements, government

contacts/agencies and general problem solving for any projects. They will continue to assist with container arrangements – wharf, govt charges,

transport to Maubisse etc. Emphasised distinction between Rotary Bendigo Sandhurst and BMFC and the need for

separate accounting practices.

14. Volunteer House.

$40 power vouchers can be purchased at new shop next to ‘Saras’ at the roundabout. Cull of house furniture distributed to schools. Angela Molloy will purchase a list of basic bulky items – from team 49 funds. Food

items [out of date] culled. New rat-trap purchased. Lock on wire door jamming and no longer functional. Basic maintenance and tidy-up undertaken.

15. Mark McLoughlan and Angela Molloy.

Mark will investigate changing the locks on the volunteer house. Purchase of new toaster and bulk supply toilet rolls etc.

16. Key Partnerships:

Michelle Whalan – Consultant to TL Government on Water Projects.

Jude Finch – Blue Mountains Friendship Group [AVI Fundasaun Alola]

Fi Oakes – Manager Bairo Pite Clinic

Eduardo Trucco – Café Aileu Projeto Montanha

Lonie Anderson – Peace Corps [USA] based in Maubisse

Team 49 Report 13

Approved by BMFC Nov 2016

Fun and amusement for all!

Team 49 Report 14