Teachers’ aid for Timor

By Lia Bichel
SEVEN teachers from schools across the City of Casey are preparing to head overseas to teach English and Australian sports to students.
In July, the Friends of Ermera members will lead a group of seven Casey teachers travelling to East Timor to visit and teach at their Ermera “friendship school”.
Formed in 2002, Friends of Ermera is a community-based group of concerned Casey residents who aim to help the people of Ermera, East Timor. It became an incorporated association in May 2003.
The group aims to help people in Ermera rebuild their lives and communities by raising funds, organising goods, services and technical advice, and encouraging local Australian groups to assist in the process of recovery and reconstruction.
It also focuses on water supply rehabilitation, building projects, provision of medical equipment and supplies, scholarships, youth leadership, education and work to build the skills of the people of Ermera.
Wayne Smith, Fountain Gate Secondary College’s Community Links co-ordinator and City of Casey councillor, has been to Ermera twice to work with teachers and students and said he looked forward to returning this year.
“I know how much they value us and I know they look forward to our visits,” he said.
“I think the relationship is important. We feel good helping out and the benefits to them are huge. There is not a lot of money in their area. We are taking over some books and teaching aids. They are very grateful to us.”
Mr Smith said the theme this year was Australian sports, and he was excited about teaching them about Aussie footy. Next trip he hopes some students from his own school will go along.