Live from Timor

Former TLV Committee Member Louise Pollard, currently on assignment in Dili with the International Aid Organisation VIDA, shares some insight on events in Dili earlier this year, and on TLVs projects

It was an eventful start to 2008; with the assassination attempt on President José Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão, and the death of the 'rebel leader' Alfredo Reinado.

Following the return of the President, and with assistance from the curfews that were implemented, the situation quickly calmed. Although yet to be fully resolved, hopefully this chapter will soon be closed and the country can continue to move forward.

Moving to our projects: when I first arrived in Timor I went to visit Padre Lito (our Timor Partner coordinating the Ainaro Project) and had 'a moment' when he thanked me for all the support offered by TLV. He had been trying to find support for the Boarding House and Villa Maria for a while but kept getting knocked back. When Paddy asked him if we could help he said that it renewed his faith, as people did care and did want to help his community. I felt incredibly lucky to be present for this and I only wish I could convey to you how thankful he is for our help.

The scholarship students recently completed their final exams and are in the process of graduating. We are currently approaching the schools to organize our students for next year. They really are great kids and I am so glad that I have had a chance to get to know them.