Author Archives: Michael

Our Hungry Neighbour

Posted on November 16, 2016 | Comments Off on Our Hungry Neighbour

The Global Hunger Index (GHI) is designed to comprehensively measure and track hunger globally and by country and region. Calculated each year by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), the GHI highlights successes and failures in hunger reduction and provides insights into the drivers of hunger. By raising awareness and understanding of regional and country differences in hunger, the GHI aims to trigger actions to reduce hunger.

Yes, Timor Leste is 9th. Another critical reason for us to maintain our
support for education in Timor Leste.

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Posted in Health Care

New Committee for 2016-2017

Posted on September 25, 2016 | Comments Off on New Committee for 2016-2017

The recent Annual General meeting that was held at Clonard College saw a changing of the guard. We saw three highly committed committee members step down this year. Louise Madden, as Vice President, and Michael O’Donnell, as Secretary, have each  served six years on the committee. Louise has made huge contributions to our fundraising events, especially the Trivia Night and her personal link with Sacred Heart College. Michael has been a keen advocate within The Geelong College and was responsible for setting up and maintaining our  web site. Brian Edward has been with us from the start 10 years ago. He has sustained his enthusiasm for all aspects of our work and I have very much appreciated his personal support. Brian again demonstrated his outstanding commitment to Timor Leste with his recent leadership in raising $15,000 for the Alola Foundation.

The New Office Holders:

President – Peter Cannon
Vice President – David Whelan
Secretary – Julie Whelan
Treasurer – Michael Wright

The General Committee: Jonathon Chapman, Patrice Hall, Tricia Blane, James Palmer, Will Birkett, Janet Taylor, Chris Clark, Rachel Roche and new member Chris Hansen (Deputy Principal, Christ the King, Newcomb)

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Posted in Meetings

Major Fundraising Effort in Geelong for the Alola Foundation

Posted on July 6, 2016 | Comments Off on Major Fundraising Effort in Geelong for the Alola Foundation
Geelong Friends of Viqueque – Alola Foundation Fundraising Dinner

Geelong_Friends

In Timor-Leste, many women lose their lives during childbirth due to limited resources. Approximately one in twenty children in Timor-Leste do not live to the age of five. Alola’s Maternal and Child Health Program seeks to improve the safety and wellbeing of mothers and babies.

The Geelong Friends of Viqueque will be holding a fund raising dinner for the Alola Foundation. Join us for a two course dinner as we raise funds to develop a Mother Support Group in Viqueque.

Dr Kirsty Sword Gusmao AO, former First Lady of Timor-Leste (East Timor) and founder and chair of the Alola Foundation will be addressing the audience with her thoughtful presentation on the struggles faced by women and children in East Timor.

Following this, a Q & A will be held with a panel including Ms Maria Imaculada Guterres, Manager of Maternal and Child Health Programs at Fundasaun Alola of Dili; and Ms Deb Singleton, Science Coordinator at Christian College Geelong.

When: Friday 5 August
Time: 6:30pm
Where: Fred Flanagan Room, Geelong Football Club, Kardinia Park
Costs: Adult (no concessions): $100.00 / (Table of ten): $900.00

Please RSVP by 1 August 2016
For bookings/payment, or more information: Click here or contact Steve Levakis P: 5272 4044 | E: slevakis@geelongcity.vic.gov.au

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Posted in Fundraising, Health Care, Women

Trivia Night – a great success!

Posted on March 6, 2016 | Comments Off on Trivia Night – a great success!

The Trivia Night at St Joseph’s College was a great success with over 250 people attending.  Special thanks must go to Rosemary Friend, Louise Madden and Peter Cannon for their leadership of the organising committee, without whose persistence and dedication the night could not have gone ahead.

Peter_C_Tricia_sm

Whilst the official tally has yet to be done it can be confidently expected that the evening raised in excess of $10,000 which will be spent in promoting literacy projects with the District of Viqueque.

the_tables_sm

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Posted in Fundraising, History, Meetings, Uncategorized

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Attend the Trivia Night and Support Timor Leste

Posted on September 16, 2015 | Comments Off on Attend the Trivia Night and Support Timor Leste

Back by popular demand the 2016 Timor Leste Trivia Night is being held on Saturday March 5, 2016 in the St Joseph’s College Gymnasium.  In 2013 it sold out and in 2016 we are hoping for a similar attendance.

There are 30 tables of 10 so why not organise a table from amongst your friends or work colleagues?  It is BYO drinks and shared food and all of the proceeds from the night will be spent on building literacy in Timor Leste, particularly in the District of Viqueque.

Tickets cost $35 and bookings will open shortly.

Support Timor Leste

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Posted in Fundraising, Literacy

2015 Scholarship Holders

Posted on July 8, 2015 | Comments Off on 2015 Scholarship Holders

A presentation ceremony for the students awarded scholarships to assist them in continuing their education was organized by Geelong Viqueque Friendship Schools Project Officer Mariano De Silva and held on Saturday 6 June at 01 Viqueque School. Our 2015 scholarship holders:

Pre-Secondary School to Secondary School $100 for one year from
01 Viqueque, St Teresinha, Mundo Perdido or Cabira-oan schools:

Noe Soares Pinto, Isabelita Pinto, Sonia da Silva Ribeiro, Andre S. da Costa Guterres, Julia da Silva, Gilmar da Costa da Silva, Jose da Costa Monteiro, Severinha Monteiro, Baltazar M. da Silva, Angelita Gomes, Jose SS. Pinto

Pre-Secondary School to Fatumacca Technical College $1,050 over three years from St Teresinha and 01 Viqueque:

Year 3 Antoninho Soares Pinto – Viqueque 01, Janio Taek – St Teresinha
Year 1 Constancio Amarel Monteiro –

Secondary School to Tertiary Institution $ 500 over three years to University National Timor Leste or UNPAS from Calixa, 4 Septembro, St Estevao or Olocasa schools:

Year 3 Jamie S.Viana, Gizelda Quintao, Lucio Alves
Year 2 Josefina da Silva Soares, Filomena da Silva, Joao Amaral Pereira, Cesaltino Baptista
Year 1 Francisca G. Viegas, Norberto Celestino Soares, Rosalia de Fatima S.Pinto, Sebastiao, Inacio Urbano, Imaculada die Ferreira, Maria Gusmao Alves, Nelson T. Ruas

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Posted in scholarships, Special Projects

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Platypus Goes to Viqueque

Posted on July 7, 2015 | Comments Off on Platypus Goes to Viqueque

President Peter used the DVD The Platypus: The World’s Most Amazing Animal when he gave 10 lessons to Year 9 English classes in 01 Viqueque and Cabira-oan schools. The students enjoyed the experience. Using a soft toy of the platypus helped, especially how the baby egg ( a tiny piece of white chalk) is cuddled.

It was a great way of telling something wonderful about our country. The two schools have libraries which have been set up by funds provided by Geelong Viqueque Friendship Schools and the two new librarians, also funded by us, were both glad to have jobs and being pleased to be part of the schools.

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Posted in Literacy

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