What would you say if you were asked to take a working holiday in a third-world country? A country with poor nutrition. A country with a population that is dominated by youth, where the building code is drastically different to Australia’s. This was the challenge set for five volunteers by Timor veteran Bob Neich and the Rotary Club of Inverell.
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Kerri Tom, Jason Tom, Meg Hanlon, Lauren Holder and Lisa Longhurst answered this challenge with a whole-hearted yes! Led by Kerri Tom, who was inspired during a visit to Timor in 2015 – the volunteers will continue to develop computer skills set by Rotary years earlier. This year the team is focusing on consolidating computer skills and furthering the knowledge of local TEKA (preschool) teachers. “I’m keen to provide a service they don’t have by expanding the technology skills to transfer into the classroom,” says Kerri, a teacher in Tingha.
“It’s been so exciting to work with the kids. It’s been a huge eye-opener to compare lifestyles of the Timorese and Australian children,” says Lauren, whose aspiration has been to work with children overseas. “I am so in love with the country already, the people smile with their whole faces,” says Meg, a graphic designer.
When the volunteers aren’t implementing computer skills in the mountain villages, they’ve enjoyed getting an up-close look at the daily lives of the Timorese people. “They are always open and willing to accept us all into their lives. They share their food, their stories and their smiles,” comments Kerri.
The trip coincided with election campaign rallies. “There were THOUSANDS of people, dressed in supporting colours, honking their horns and crammed into downtown Dili. It was such an adrenaline rush and beautiful to see the people so passionate,” says Meg.
“There were bikes, trucks, people on foot. It was incredible to see how many people could fit into the back of a truck, taking up every possible nook,” says Kerri.
“I was hesitant to come to Timor, but after only three days it has changed my perception about it – I want to come back and continue the work we’ve started,” says Lauren with a big smile on her face.