DonationS so far: $008,192
Photo credits: Mr Joseph Younan, St Philip Neri School.
" It was so wonderful to see all the smiling faces of children working together to make a difference for others who are less fortunate. "
East Timor Awareness Day 2015
Fun for a cause!
Students, staff and parents from St Philip Neri and St Thomas's Schools in Sydney's Lower North Shore celebrated our inaugural East Timor Awareness Day on 14 August 2015. We had the privilege of a special appearance by Her Excellency, Armandina Gusmao, Timor Leste Consul General to Australia to support this event.
"It was so wonderful to see all the smiling faces of children working together to make a difference for others who are less fortunate," says LETS Chairperson, Georgina Loughnan.
Highlights of the day included:
- A special address by the Consul General in which she explained some of the history of Timor Leste. Her Excellency also pointed out the significance and symbolism of various parts of her country's national dress - which was beautifully modelled by 10 year-old Morena Ximenes. The Consul General also presented symbolic gifts from her homeland to the schools and to the Catholic Parish of the Lower North Shore. Sincere thanks to Denis Fernandez for facilitating this official visit.
- an audio-visual presentation by Ornella Byak, Youth Ambassador for LETS, where she explained how the Sydney school children's fundraising efforts are making a real difference in the lives of the children of Letefoho. Assistance already underway includes the construction of new toilets, kitchens and water sanitation facilities.
- a live video link between the children of Letefoho and their Sydney counterparts. The children's grinning faces, excited waves and happy greetings ensured there was not a dry eye amongst the adults present!
- fundraising activities by the Sydney school children to provide financial support for their peers and their families in Letefoho.
- an art exchange project - featuring the exchange of 'A Day in My Life' drawings between school children of the Lower North Shore and their counterparts in Letefoho.
- craft activities - including beading bracelets and making button badges. Many thanks to Ivana Byak, Audre Arnautovic, Karen Phipson and Kristy Komadina for their invaluable assistance on the day.
- Tetun language lessons conducted by Ornella Byak.
LETS would like to say a huge 'THANK YOU' to the hundreds of people who lent their support to make this day so enjoyable, educational, moving and successful.