ANZAC Day is a time of remembrance and reflection, particularly in 2018 which is the 100^th Anniversary of the end of WW1.

There are so many untold stories from this time. Some are so harrowing that soldiers simply returned home and never spoke again of their war experiences, some were also Top Secret, so they are not widely known.

That is why we found our visit to the ANZAC Centre in Albany was so overwhelming. So many unknown stories explained. We are still learning about some of what happened then.

WW2 was also a time where soldiers didn’t talk about their experiences, were sworn to secrecy, or information was withheld for security, so some stories were not widely known until recent years. For example, it was only a few years ago we learned that more bombs were dropped on Darwin than Pearl Harbour, and very few people are aware of the remarkable events that happened in East Timor during 1942/3.

‘Across the Timor Sea’ was formed when Jan was reading some of her Uncle’s precious WW2 books and asked him questions about them.  (Lt/Capt. Nicolay 2/4th Commando.)

This led to him talking about his time in East Timor during WW2, and his creado (helper/friend), Nicolof.

In 2010, Jan went to Timor Leste` and found Nicolof (Domingos Baretto).  She was overwhelmed to discover that his memories of ‘Nick’ and the other Australian Commandos based in Ailalec Village during WW2, were warmly recalled and clear.

‘Across the Timor Sea’ was established to acknowledge this bond, and has evolved from there.

~  Lest we forget.

Education has always been a primary focus for Across the Timor Sea, and has resulted in the establishment of the Baretto/Nicolay Scholarship program. In 2018, the Across the Timor Sea scholarship has grown to 10 students receiving support for their Secondary Education.

Timor Leste` is a very young nation, and gaining independence came at a great cost. Many schools were destroyed at that time. We have come to understand that Timor Leste` lost 20% of Primary teachers and 80% of Secondary on gaining Independence, and 95% of schools were either damaged or destroyed.

Since that time there has been work towards recovery and rebuilding, however there is much to make up for.

We admire what is being achieved at St Francis of Assisi School (which is the preferred school by Ailalec Village parents and Ailalec Council), and Jan has noted much enthusiasm for achievement and overall wellbeing of the students there.

There is justified pride in the building construction Jan saw when she was last at the school. The new building will enable school numbers to increase, providing accommodation for the nuns and female students. Included in their vision are plans for indoor sports and a sewing room.

The New Building Site

All at ‘Across the Timor Sea’ were delighted to hear about plans for a dedicated Sewing Room, because in some of the container shipments sent there, we have included donated sewing machines and materials. This was in the hope that students would be taught sewing skills, and on returning to their home village, be able to start a cottage industry of some sort, or at least enhance their community in some way.

This program could not operate without the generous support of Sponsors.

The Donations in Kind (DIK) wing of Scarborough Rotary have been a tremendous support for Across the Timor Sea, and we can’t express our thanks fully enough. No more so, than with the help they have given to enable a Computer Lab to be set up at St Francis of Assisi School in Timor Leste’.  It has been wonderful for ‘Across the Timor Sea’ to simply be a conduit for this project.

                          Chairs for the Computer Room being unloaded.

   Computers being set up.

                                                 I.T. Teachers preparing the room.

Teachers learning how to use the Computers.

                               Students working hard at their Computers.

The importance of being able to access a computer, and learn how to use one, is huge. The skills gained are immeasurable.

Across the Timor Sea is profoundly thankful to all who enabled this to happen, particularly Donations in Kind, Scarborough Rotary.

‘Across the Timor Sea’ could not have achieved anywhere near what they have, without the support of many generous people along the way.

The Student Sponsorship Program is well on the way to the target of twelve students attending St. Francis of Assisi (two in each of the six levels).
In 2018 there will be ten students starting their secondary education at the school, supported in doing so by their Sponsors.

Seven of the eight, 2017 Students
~ November, 2017

In 2017 Across the Timor Sea, with the valuable assistance of Rotary International: Donations in Kind, has shipped 148 boxes and bags of donated goods, as well as 79 desks/chairs and school/office equipment.

We couldn’t have managed without you.

What a wonderful night was the Quiz Night was!
It was a first for Across the Timor Sea and a thunder storm was forecast, so we were apprehensive, however all fears disappeared as the wonderful group of people arrived.

Across the Timor Sea and Donations in Kind (Scarborough Rotary) projects will benefit from the funds raised.

Jennifer, our ‘thanks’ do not seem enough to show our appreciation of all the time, skill and enthusiasm you gave for the event. Your guidance and reassurance was greatly appreciated. You are amazing.

We would also like to thank Wendy, from Melville Friends of Hatolia. Wendy undertook the onerous task organizing and operating the Silent Auction, which considerably contributed to the success of the night.

Jan was overwhelmingly involved in preparing for the Quiz Night beforehand, at the Quiz Night on the Friday night, quickly finished packing for her trip on Saturday, then flew out for Timor Lestè on the Sunday.

Luckily there was a hold up in Darwin, and the Airline provided hotel accommodation for the passengers, so Jan had an enforced rest.

Jan went to Timor Lestè to follow up on various Across the Timor Sea projects.

It is nearly the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month ~ which will be a time to stop and remember. It is just one minute to acknowledge so much.
This particular time was first chosen because it was the moment when hostilities ended in Europe (1918) and since then, has been a time of remembrance of those who have died in war.

Across the Timor Sea carries on the tradition of remembering.
Just as these two men, from such different backgrounds, retained their bond of friendship and mutual respect over many, many years.

The Plaque
Honouring the friendship between Norman Nicolay and Domingos Baretto

THEY DID NOT FORGET

Health and Education has always been a focus and priority for Across the Timor Sea, so when the water pumps were installed in Ailalec Village, we were delighted to see the development of family gardens flourishing there.

On her visit to St Francis of Assisi School, Jan was taken to see the School Garden.
The students are justifiably proud of their garden, and what they produce.
~ All watered by bucket!

Recently, FR. Nico (Principal) sent Jan further photographs of the St Francis of Assisi school garden.
The difference is remarkable. The students have gained such rewards for their hard work.

This knowledge and enthusiasm will make a difference when they return to their home villages.

On Friday 13th of October from 7 PM, Across the Timor Sea, with Donations in Kind (Rotary Scarborough), are holding a holding a quiz night to raise much needed funds for their humanitarian projects.

Quiz Night Poster

That night, on each table there will be pamphlets briefly explaining the past, present and future projects of these organizations.

Enquiries: Jenny Mott 0422 606 144

Whilst in Timor Lestè, working on Across the Timor Sea Projects, Jan came across a magnificent statue of an East Timorese hero ~ Dom Boaventura.

Dom Boaventura was the king of the Manufahi tribe during the Portuguese colonial period in Timor. He led a rebellion, from 1895 ~ 1912, for their freedom from colonial rule.

His story was harrowing. Jan was told that he fought until he was trapped on a mountain top, then captured.
Not much was known about what happened to him, after his capture, until his descendants were told his body was buried outside Samè Cemetery.

Whilst the scholarship program to support the secondary education of two Ailalec students each year will always be the priority for ‘Across the Timor Sea’, Jan has been the conduit of a remarkable array of donated goods.

Jan’s family room ……… Full of donated goods for Timor Lestè.

There is a great need for these goods, however transporting them to Timor Lestè has always been a great challenge. When Trevor Canning (from Donations in Kind, Scarborough Rotary) offered support, it was an enormous relief. As Donations in Kind, had a container of goods heading for Timor Lestè, they were willing to transport Across the Timor Sea’s goods as well.

The lorry loaded with the goods, headed for Timor Lestè.

Another Project that Across the Timor Sea has initiated, is the building of an Early Childhood Education Centre at Ailalec Primary School, with the donation of funds for the construction of the building by the SANGORA Foundation. This was a dream for Jan, because she fundamentally believes in the importance of education, and that a good early start is vital.
Because Ailalec is so remote, progress on this project has been slow, but with Max Bird (from Kwinana Rotary Club) mentoring, Jan was able to negotiate the contract with the Village Council, and plans are now in place for the building to go ahead. Max’s experience and advice was invaluable and gratefully appreciated.