Across the Timor Sea has always primarily been focused on supporting Ailalec Village; and this led to the student scholarship program, which will always be our primary focus. However, being able to send Containers of donated goods has been an opportunity to help in so many other ways.

Computers, furniture, clothing, sewing machines, cottons and material are just a few of the variety of items that have been sent and greatly appreciated. In the last container, there were actually artificial limbs and other such equipment for the Dili Rehabilitation Centre, which will be put to great use.  We have been overwhelmed with the generosity of so many people.

Though rewarding, it has always been a very challenging process to get the container deliveries to Dili, and no more so than the last time. There was a chain of help, starting with Laurie Fisher, Coordinator Donations in Kind (DIK) Melbourne Victoria, who offered to include Across the Timor Sea’s goods in the Container he was sending to Dili. Then Jay Shaw Director of Ne Solution Perth, arranged for Adlam Transport Company to get the goods to Melbourne.

After the ship carrying the container left Melbourne Port, it went to Singapore, then Surabaya where it went into dry-dock for 6-8 weeks. By the time it reached Dili, Covid 19 restrictions hit. Everything was in lock-down.

Thankfully all the goods have now been delivered.

In one box, that was included in the last container sent, were children’s books, which we knew would be greatly appreciated. Across the Timor Sea was sent a photograph of them on display, ready for borrowing.