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Salesian Missions NEWSLETTER 2014 The Australian Salesian Mission Overseas Aid Fund (ASMOAF) is a charitable work of the Salesians of Don Bosco in Australia.
OUR THANKS Our Newsletter is one way we stay in touch and keep you informed of our activities.
In the following pages you will find news from our Salesian partners around the world, as well as details of some fundraising activities that have occurred in Australia.
The need for support continues to grow with requests for new projects.
All donations have the power to make a difference.
Helping youth build a better future.
Salesian Missions Office Address: 3 Middle Street, Ascot Vale, Victoria 3032 Postal Address: PO Box 264, Ascot Vale Victoria 3032 Phone: 03 9377 6060 Email: salmiss@salesians.org.au Website: www.salesians.org.au/missions2 Australian Salesian Mission Overseas Aid Fund Salesian Missions Visitors to ASMOAF ASMOAF hosts a number of overseas visitors each year and they are keen to talk about their work. If you require a speaker for a function, please contact the ASMOAF office to discuss you options.
East Timor Fr Joao Paulino Guterres, Provincial, Indonesia and Timor Leste.
Fr Manuel Ximenes, Parish Priest, Laga.
Fr Basilio Ximenes, Provincial Economer , Comoro.
Fr Virgilio do Carmo da Silva, Don Bosco Technical School Fatumaca.
Fiji Fr James Kyaw Hoe, Vice Rector and Lecturer at the Pacific Regional Seminary Suva, Fiji.
India Bishop James Thoppil, Kohima , Nagaland.
Myanmar Archbishop Charles Bo, Yangon.
Fr Maurice Vallence, Provincial, Yangon.
Papua New Guinea Fr Rafael Galve , Don Bosco Technological Institute, Boroko.
Philippines Fr George Militante, Provincial, Cebu.
Samoa Fr Mosese Tui, Principal, Don Bosco High School and Vocational Centre, Salelologa.
Fr Chris Ford, Principal, Don Bosco Technical Centre, Alafua.
Sri Lanka Fr Felix Mellawararchy, Rector and Parish Priest, Palliyawatta.
Whilst in Australia, the visiting Salesians discussed matters related to future projects Last May I was invited by Monash University to deliver the occasional address at a Graduation Ceremony in the Robert Blackwood Hall as it was 50 years since the university’s foundation-students graduated in 1964.
I had the privilege of being Monash’s first graduate.
How did it happen? There were 67 to graduate from three Faculties: Arts, Economics and Science. There was a ballot to determine which Faculty would be presented first, that was won by Economics. When a further ballot was held to determine who would be the “first”, my name came out.
In my speech I outlined what I have been doing over the past 50 years. After graduating in Economics and Politics I decided to join the Salesians. I was attracted to them because of the founder, Don Bosco, and his work for social justice, especially through education and self-help projects for needy youth.
For more than 30 years I was a teacher and Headmaster, including five years as head of a University College. In 1996 I was appointed Director of Salesian Missions – the overseas aid and development office.
I mentioned that most of the ASMOAF supported development projects in Asian – Pacific countries have an education focus. My previous work in schools and educational administration has been a good preparation for my current position. During field visits I often meet Monash graduates; our shared background serves as an easy introduction.
I told the gathering that for me it was a great blessing having been at Monash in those early years. The education I received prepared me well for my future work and graduate studies at Harvard.
I concluded by referring to the University motto (in Italian) “Ancora Imparo” – “I am still learning” and words of Sir John Monash: “Equip yourself for life, not solely for your own benefit, but for the benefit of the whole community.
Br Michael Lynch SDB FRONT COVER A student learning printing skills at Don Bosco Bangalore, India.
Fr Maurice Valence, Provincial, Myanmar.
Fr Manuel Ximenes Parish Priest, Laga, Timor Leste.
Photo by Fiona Basile, Kairos Catholic Journal Missions Australian Salesian Mission Overseas Aid Fund 3 ASMOAF The Salesians, with a presence in most countries of the developing world, are working in the frontline for alleviating poverty as well as providing assistance during emergencies such as natural disasters, war or violence.
They are well placed to make responses that are quick, compassionate, generous and helping local people to be involved in their own sustainable growth together with a rights-based approach to education.
The Australian Salesian Mission Office supports the vocational teaching and training of young people to enable them to find employment and become contributing members of their nation.
The Australian Salesian Mission Overseas Aid Fund [ASMOAF] is owned by the Salesian Society (Vic) Inc. and has Australian Taxation Office approval for tax deductibility for donations given for the relief of poverty in third world countries.
The legal title of ASMOAF in Victoria is: Salesian Society (Vic) Inc. ABN 43 206 946 086 The legal title of ASMOAF in other states is: The Salesian Society Inc. ABN 62 009 477 018 In the pages following there is an overview of ASMOAF’s work during the past year.
We are indebted to our supporters who share Don Bosco’s goals and we pray that God will continue to bless them.
‘OF THE POOR, FOR THE POOR’ At the recent 27th General Chapter in Rome, some 220 representatives of the Salesians of Don Bosco throughout the world urged all members of their congregation to return to the ‘poor and abandoned’ and to place the needy, disadvantaged and marginalised at the very forefront of their activities.
This is how they expressed this essential priority: ‘We want to be a Congregation of the poor, for the poor.
Like Don Bosco we maintain that this is our way of living the Gospel in a radical way and being more available and relevant to the needs of the young, bringing about in our life a genuine exodus towards the most needy.’ Here in the Australia-Pacific Province of the Salesian Congregation, we have always strived to labour for needy and disadvantaged young people through our schools, parishes, youth centres, camps and various apostolic programs. More to the point, however, the Australian Salesian Mission Overseas Aid Fund (ASMOAF) has a long and fruitful history of working for the support and betterment of the poor and destitute throughout the world.
In this respect, it has contributed to the well-being of countless people ‘on the peripheries’ in areas such as Asia, Africa, the Pacific, and Central and South America, and will no doubt continue to do so most generously for many decades to come.
As Chairperson of the Governing Board of ASMOAF, I take this opportunity to acknowledge the ongoing efforts of Br Michael Lynch, Director, of his Missions Office Team, of his many partners and colleagues, and of his large army of benefactors and supporters who have contributed to ASMOAF and its work for the poor over so many years.
Thank You! Finally, as we move forward into the future as followers of Saint John Bosco who are ‘of the poor and for the poor’, let us invoke the example and encouragement of Mary, our Loving Mother, in the compelling words of the following prayer: ‘Blessed are you Mary, Handmaid of the poor, because you promptly set out along the way to serve a mother in need and you were there at Cana, sharing the joys and sorrows of a newly married couple.
You did not look to your own needs, but to theirs, and you pointed out your Son, Jesus, as the Lord who could give humankind the new wine of peace and joy in the Spirit.
Mother of servants, teach us to go out of ourselves, to go and meet our neighbour, so that while we respond to their needs, we may offer them Jesus, God’s gift, the most precious gift! Amen.’ Fr Greg Chambers SDB Provincial, Chair of the ASMOAF BoardDon Bosco Rural Training College was severely affected by the cyclone.
Funds for relief were very welcome.
Firstly, these were used for emergency food and water for the school and local communities.
The next step was the repair of facilities, as the kitchen and the firewood stack were flooded. Meals of sweet potatoes and cassava are provided daily for more than 180 staff and students. Thanks to ASMOAF, we are able to purchase materials to repair this area.
Overall we have made a remarkable recovery largely as a result of the generous donors.
Fr Joseph Cong Thanh 4 Australian Salesian Mission Overseas Aid Fund Solomon Islands TETERE - Don Bosco Rural Training Centre HENDERSON - Don Bosco Technical Institute Don Bosco Technical Institute played an important role in disaster management and reconstruction. More than 50 families from three localities were evacuated to the Don Bosco Hall for three weeks.
With immediate emergency assistance from ASMOAF the staff at Don Bosco decided that they were well placed to assist families with household items. The carpentry students, as part of their course, began making tables and chairs. The automotive students improved their sheet metal skills of cutting, grinding, welding and polishing in constructing good quality ovens and garden tools. The Government and relief agencies provided materials to rebuild village houses.
On May 17 the students invited the cyclone affected families to Don Bosco and offered the choice of an oven drum or four household items.
This operation was beneficial on two levels: as a learning experience for the students and a community development exercise.
Fr Dominic Kachira In April 2014 Cyclone “Ita” lashed the Solomon Islands.
Heavy rains from the storm caused flash flooding. The Matanikua River broke its banks and devastated communities.
Thousands of homes along with Honiara’s two main bridges were washed away. Solomon Islands had not experienced this scale of destruction before. 22 people were killed, about 9,000 were left homeless and 50,000 were directly affected. ASMOAF supporters responded generously.
The Salesian Sisters, Henderson The Salesian Sisters’ Hostel and Training centre for young women at Henderson assisted the two villages which were badly affected by the April flood.
From emergency relief funds: food, tools, clothing and bedding were purchased for needy families. A truck was hired and goods were distributed by the Sisters and the girls along with a group of youthful volunteers.
All fields were completely destroyed, the gardens and livestock were lost, but fortunately no loss of life. Debris of tree trunks and large branches were salvaged to help rebuild the houses and fences. The lack of drinking water was critical as the wells were filled with mud. The water is now collected from holes dug near the River, filtered through tea towels and boiled before drinking.
The orchards will begin to fruit within three months but until then the families will continue to live in hardship.
Sr Sesilia Sala Samoa Don Bosco Technical High School Salelologa (Savai’i) is now in its fourth year.
In 2013 two Cagliero Project volunteers, Catherine Lutvey and Declan Crowe who were working in the school, identified some urgent needs and challenges. One of these was to obtain a bus to provide affordable transport, to and from school for those from distant villages and transfer students participating in sporting, cultural and educational activities.
Catherine and Declan, in discussion with Fr Mosese Tui (Principal) and other teachers initiated the Walk for a Bus project. The idea was a sponsored walk of 182 km to circumnavigate the island of Savai’i to secure funds to buy a bus.
The walk took place over seven days, with local villages providing overnight accommodation.
The Cagliero Project was heavily involved in securing Australian sponsorship for participants in the walk.
After the bus was purchased, Fr Mosese said: “This has been hard work, but to finally have the bus here is truly a relief. We could not have done it alone and I am grateful to the people of Samoa for their support, overseas friends and families and our Samoan Salesian community.” A final word from Catherine Lutvey: “I was so excited to see that Don Bosco purchased the bus! It’s a rewarding tangible result, even though the spirit and relationships of the walk were gratifying enough.” Australian Salesian Mission Overseas Aid Fund 5 SALELOLOGA - Don Bosco High School ALAFUA - Don Bosco Technical Centre Don Bosco Technical Centre offers vocational education and trade training programs to prepare students (aged 15 – 23) for employment.
The vast majority of the 180 students are from poor or disadvantaged backgrounds; few have completed their secondary education. In a very real sense Don Bosco offers them a “second chance.” The basic trades training course provides an introduction to: carpentry and joinery, welding and metal fabrication, plumbing, electronics and electrical and motor mechanics. It is combined with studies in Samoan, English, mathematics, technical drawing, life skills and religion.
There is a shortage of trained trades people in Samoa; Don Bosco is widely known and respected in the community. It is pleasing to note that 86 per cent of the 2013 graduates quickly secured meaningful employment.
The Technical Centre has a vibrant program of sports, fautasi (long-boat), games, traditional singing and dancing as well as a focus on personal development.
Future projects include the upgrading of equipment and facilities, the introduction of solar electricity, completion of the computer laboratory and internet facilities for staff and students.
Fr Chris Ford - PrincipalBANGALORE Centre to help runaway children inaugurated A Child Assistance Centre, set up by Bosco Mane in association with South Western Railway, on Platform Four of the Bangalore Train Station was opened in July 2014.
Bosco Mane has been working with Bangalore’s street children for more than 33 years.
“More than 70 runaway children arrive in Bangalore every day and most end up in high- risk situations on Bangalore’s streets: begging, exploitation in sweatshops, abuse etc. Every effort is made to meet the children who arrive on trains and buses. They invite them to the refuge on Gandhinagar where food, clothing, washing, first aid, medicines and recreational facilities are available. Opportunities for counselling and assistance to track families are also offered.
“Children run away because of family problems, bullying or other reasons such as fascination with city life, etc.
“On average we are able to contact the families of about 80 per cent of the “rescued” and they are sent back home within the day.
“The remaining children include those that have run away several times or have serious problems and need professional help. We assist the youngsters get back into school. However, school must be interesting and something they really want to do. For the older youth we have programs to guide them in acquiring employment skills that will enable them to get a job.
Fr George Payyamthadathil - Director 6 Australian Salesian Mission Overseas Aid Fund India MUMBAI Work for the poor and the marginalized The thrust of our work, especially in the rural districts, is education. This is the key to helping people break the ‘vicious circle of poverty’. Our projects are working and the feedback is positive. Schooling enables people to progress from poverty to a level of employment.
Within the women’s groups the emphasis has been the establishment of self-help programs which also will provide assistance with small businesses.
The Child Protection Policy is very strictly followed in all our projects. It is mandatory that all our staff at the start of the year are fully instructed and made aware of this Policy and the appropriate signed statements are recorded.
Fr Edwin D’Souza Australian Salesian Mission Overseas Aid Fund 7 Modern success with 40 year old equipment.
I have worked in India for 60 years with more than 30 years in vocational education schools in Kolkata, New Delhi and Ranchi.
I have had a very fulfilling life. It is always a joy to meet past pupils who are grateful to the Don Bosco Colleges for making them “honest citizens, good Christians and parents of flourishing families”.
Both academic and technical education is offered by the Salesians, however the Technical schools are better known in India.
The Don Bosco Technical Institute in New Delhi maintains an enrolment of 340 students (18 – 23 year old, male and female) in the government approved one or two year courses.
These courses cover machine shop practices, computer science, information technology, printing and packaging, electronics and mechanics. Annually in June – July, 90 per cent of 200 trainees gain immediate employment and the remainder within six months. The graduates are motivated by employment opportunities, salaries and promotions.
Surprisingly this is achieved mostly on 40 year old equipment.
The scholarships offered through ASMOAF enable the needy (about ten per cent) to be trained in the certified courses, as well as supporting those who do not qualify by providing short non-formal courses and employment assistance.
Technology frequently changes in the workforce. If we are to continue to succeed we need to update our equipment. The generosity of Australian people helps to make this possible.
Fr Brian Diamond, Don Bosco Technical Institute, Okhla New Delhi, India ASSAM “In many respects, tribal people of Assam are amongst the most deprived in India. The funds recently transferred were used for the school and hostel in Boka which caters for children from the Bodos, Rabhas and Garos tribes.
The children are thrilled by the new facilities and they requested I convey their thanks.” Fr V M Thomas, SDB Provincial Guwahati CHENNAI Leprosy, a major health problem in many parts of India, is a cause of social stigma and discrimination.
Pope John’s Garden Chennai, formerly known as Don Bosco Beatitudes, runs Leprosy Rehabilitation services. It is a residential home managed and supervised by the Salesians in collaboration with the Sisters of St Charles Borromeo; it has been in existence for 50 years. In recent years a new unit has been built to cater for children suffering from HIV.
Fr Edwin Vasanthan Director, Don Bosco Rehabilitation Services8 Australian Salesian Mission Overseas Aid Fund OSSO HUNA Community Our community is located in the mountains, near Baguia.
With your support we are able to offer salaries to volunteer teachers who run classes for more than 600 students in six village schools. The subjects include English, Computer skills, Music, Sewing, Life Skills. We are very grateful for the school equipment (desks, blackboards), uniforms, stationery and sporting goods sent in the container.
We continue to develop local agriculture to produce healthy food for local use and to sell in the markets. Social, health and hygiene issues are addressed in our various communities. Recently a number od people in the villages have been trained as tourist guides for the growing tourism industry.
All that ASMOAF provides is greatly appreciated.
Laurinda Pinto - Osso Huna Community LOSPALOS - Don Bosco Orphanage Don Bosco Orphanage Lospalos accommodates 109 boys from grade three to grade nine. We aim to educate the boys to be responsible, self-disciplined, organized and live responsibly. The importance of a balanced diet, exercise and healthy living is emphasised.
This year twenty boys will finish at the orphanage to continue their study in different High Schools.
The ongoing challenge is to provide them with decent accommodation as well as meet their basic needs. It is time to replace many beds and furnishings (pillows, linen and curtains) in the dormitory and the water system which provides clean water for the boys, is in drastic need of repair.
We are thankful to ASMOAF for regular sources of funds provided for running the orphanage as well the periodic provision of essentials such as school uniforms, clothing and stationery (sent in containers).
Donations do improve the lives of many boys. For example, Arlindo Silva, aged 14, had completed Grade Six, when he moved to his grandmother’s village, due to changes in family circumstances. To commence Grade Seven he would need to travel more than 12 km to school in Lospalos. Having no where to stay, his grandmother asked if he could live in the orphanage.
Arlindo has adapted easily and made friends. The orphanage routine has helped him develop an organized life-style and he now has time to study, play and do his chores. More importantly he has three meals a day, stability and a sense of living responsibly.
Fr Mario do Rosario Costa - Rector BAUCAU - St. Anthony’s High School St. Anthony’s High School Baucau, opened in 1984, has an enrolment of 450 students, mostly from economically poor backgrounds.
In the past three years we have opened a boarding house for students from remote villages, made teaching improvements and introduced a luncheon program which has benefitted student health and study. For the past two years our school was ranked at the top in the national exams. In 2015 we plan to renovate the classrooms.
We thank our friends in Australia for their support, including the Bairnsdale group.
Fr Davio Savio - Rector & Principal BALIDE - Salesian Sisters At the Salesian Sisters’ Centre in Balide we teach specialised courses in secretarial computer skills for up to 50 young men and women from rural areas who have already completed other studies and are seeking empolyment in Dili.
The centre is financed with ASMOAF funds. More than two-thirds of the students find a job after completing the upskilling course.
While the cost of training a person is little more than $30, we are currently looking at replacing some of the older computers.
Sr Alexandrina Pinto Timor-LesteAustralian Salesian Mission Overseas Aid Fund 9 VENILALE - Medical Clinic Maria Auxiliadora The Maria Auxiliadora Medical Clinic serves the eight villages of Venilale plus several surrounding ones, the FMA Technical High School, the Orphanage and the Salesian schools at Venilale and Fatumaca.
Our Program encourages good health through education of students and families whilst maintaining treatment of general illnesses and diseases. Mothers and babies are a priority, together with the care of 15 tuberculosis patients.
During 2013, the clinic provided 6830 patients with checkups which included treatment of the usual tropical diseases and health issues; supplied baby boxes to 109 mothers; health education to 457 students and family health education for 720 couples, oral health sessions for Year 8 students and a sex education program for senior secondary students.
In addition, the Clinic provided training in First Aid and Information Sessions on reproduction and natural family planning.
Funds donated covered the cost of salaries, fuel, vehicle maintenance, consumables used in the Clinic, medications etc. Your support helps sustain our passion to help those in need.
Sr Carolina M. Correia.
MALIANA - Don Bosco Technical School The Don Bosco Co-educational Technical School Maliana opened in January 2014. While the school is owned by Government, it is being managed and run by the Salesians. It is the first school of its type in Timor Leste and for the Salesians it is the only one west of Dili.
The School, with boarding facilities, offers a three year Diploma course in General Electricity; students are accepted from all districts of Timor Leste.
The Minister for Education, Mr Bendito Freitas, formally visited the school in the first week of June. He spoke to the students about the importance of quality education and their development as leaders, at various levels, in the nation.
After the official session the Minister had lunch with the students, their parents and teachers, and participated in “picnic games”.
Br Marcal Lopes - Principal FATUMACA - Don Bosco Technical School Don Bosco Technical School Fatumaca is currently celebrating the golden jubilee of its establishment in 1964; it continues to provide basic trade training courses. The school notes with gratitude the on-going support it receives from Salesian Missions, Australia, for scholarships and workshop materials. In recent times this has included electronic components for classroom use, electrodes for the mechanics workshop, electrical cables and finishing materials used in the carpentry workshop.
Br Adriano de Jesus - Principal St. Mary Mazzarello High School St. Maria Mazzarello Technical Vocational High School which started in 1994, has a current enrolment of 144 (128 girls, 16 boys) with 104 residing in the boarding house.
In addition to teaching the usual range of academic subjects, the school provides basic training in hospitality, tourism and hotel management. Extra curricula activities include music, choir, dance, theatre and sport.
We are grateful to the donors who assist the school; their funds are used for salaries, general maintenance, fuel for the generator and school materials.
Sr Concepta F. Belo10 Australian Salesian Mission Overseas Aid Fund MYANMAR On behalf of the Salesians in Myannar I express my deep and heartfelt thanks to ASMOAF for its on-going support of our work to help young people in their desire to be educated and trained for employment.
Fr Maurice Vallance - Provincial ANISAKAN The funds recently transferred to “Nazraeth”, Anisakan, were used for food production, specifically the wheat and vegetable crops and repairs to the pond we use for fish farming. With more than 60 students in residence we are making more progress in becoming self-sufficient in providing food for daily consumption.
Fr Basil Khin Maung PYIN OO LWIN - With ASMOAF help we ran a Summer Youth Holiday program for deprived local children. There was tutorial help in literacy, health and hygiene as well as games and sport. Fr Joseph Dass KALAY - An Artesian well providing drinking water is now a feature of the Don Bosco Youth Centre in Kalay (Chin State). This means that more than 100 children are now able to access clean drinking water each day.
Fr Camillus Ngin Ngo Suan NAMTU - Thanks for your support of the hostel for 22 students from distant villages attending the local school in Namtu (Shan State). In addition to the on-going running costs we welcome assistance for school texts, stationery, First Aid and medications. Fr Lucas Ma Naw Building Project Our building project for eight new houses in Kon Tum for families who belong to a minority tribal group was accomplished as a result of the generosity of many benefactors. The accompanying photo illustrates the new type of house, alongside the former dwelling.
Augustin Nguyen Viet Chung, CM Kon Tum Emergency food relief has been provided in seven centres.
The provision of clean water has been especially welcome as it improved health by eliminating many common illnesses.
Sr Nguyen Thi Tam Vinh City Emergency Relief In November 2013, the Visayan Region of the Philippines was struck by two natural calamities: Earthquake and Typhoon. Whilst recovering from the 7.2 magnitude earthquake, the super typhoon sent 40,000 locals from temporary shelters back to the evacuation centres. “Yolanda” caused flooding which disrupted relief efforts.
The aftermath was chaos and utmost devastation.
The local Salesians immediately started a relief operation calling for worldwide assistance. The news elicited a response of finances, services and goods.
Assistance from ASMOAF helped to provide food packs, living essentials and health supplies.
Volunteers sorted, packed, and dispersed the relief which was distributed in two trucks. With no electrical power, generators were sent to community centres.
Trade trainees from Don Bosco Technical Schools assisted with the removal of debris from felled trees and the repair of houses.
Longer term rehabilitation and reconstruction in this typhoon affected area involves building two- story storm-shelter classrooms in local schools. They will also be equipped with solar panels.
Future planning involves work with the local communities to build ‘community resilience’ and to construct permanent houses with storm shelters.
Vietnam PhilippinesAustralian Salesian Mission Overseas Aid Fund 11 ETHIOPIA - Addis Ababa In Ethiopia we face poverty daily in all aspects of life.
Millions are struggling against misery in every situation imaginable.
Our focus is on assisting the poor malnourished children and destitute families, with food and medicines and helping needy students in rural schools.
We are very grateful for the help we receive from Australian donors, via ASMOAF, to fund education, relief and rehabilitation projects.
When the most impoverished families are referred to us, we insist on the regular attendance of their children at school as we know from experience that education is the basis to overcoming unemployment and hardship.
Families are assisted to set up small income-generating businesses, in the hope that these will be self-sustaining.
Recently we have improved the facilities in our rural schools where staff are currently trained in ways to best deliver aid and education, whilst respecting the rights of the individual.
Br Cesare Bullo SWAZILAND - Manzini Youth Care Manzini Youth Care has been providing residential care for more than 100 street children in the Manzini area for the past 30 years. Many were formerly living on dump-sites.
The HIV/AIDS infection rate in Swaziland, now exceeding 40 per cent, is a major contributing factor to the increased number of orphans and vulnerable children in the country.
House parents, assisted by volunteers, supervise each Manzini Youth Care Home, where providing shelter and food is the first priority. The children attend local schools and are making good progress with their studies. Formal education is complemented by vocational training, health care and social programs. Every effort is made to help them reunite with their families.
Obtaining sufficient funds to cover our costs is a major concern; we thank those who have helped us.
Fr Larry McDonnell - Director SODDO Thanks to ASMOAF’s collaboration, the Don Bosco Youth Centre in Soddo is running a special school – holiday program for boys and girls aged 9 to 16. There will be 550 participants.
(At the time of writing there are more than 50 on the ‘waiting list’) The day commences with a breakfast ‘bread and tea’. For the first month there will be tutorial English classes in the morning and sport in the afternoon – football, basketball, volleyball. In the second month we will run group activities and competitions. A large number of prizes are provided for distribution: knapsacks, dictionaries, exercise books and pens.
Fr Joseph Larcher Africa SOUTH SUDAN The situation in South Sudan is still critical as tribal warfare continues. Several hundred thousand people have been forced to leave their villages; the Salesian schools and community centres in Juba, Maridi, Tonj and Wau are providing emergency relief and food.
The three Cabra schools, set up by Deng Chor in the Diocese of Wau, are highly regarded. They are providing basic education for a large number of village children. Australian supporters of the schools send their donations via Salesian Missions.
12 Australian Salesian Mission Overseas Aid Fund Ave Maria College, Aberfeldie, Victoria Ave Maria College Aberfeldie, Vic, has a sister relationship with St Mary Mazzarello High School, Venilale, Timor Leste. The 2014 College Ball, held in August, had a Timor theme with proceeds going to support the Venilale School as the Principal of the College, Mrs Elizabeth Hanney and a senior teacher, Ms Sharon Walsh, visited in September.
Bishop Hilton Deakin writes… “I visit Timor Leste each year for about a month spending a good deal of time with the Salesians, old and trusted friends, who make me welcome and are most hospitable. As a group, they are dedicated to their work of education, pastoral care and sundry other tasks that give a depth and edge to Catholic discipleship.
“This year I have come away with a greater appreciation of the support they receive from Australia via Salesian Missions. It is not only the funds transferred for schools and orphanages, and the goods “in kind” (school desks, teaching aids, uniforms etc.) but the friendly encouragement and moral support provided.
“The new school at Maliana is taking shape and there is every indication it will be an important centre of education in a few years.
The Salesian Sisters in the nearby village of Cailaco have enhanced local schooling and their presence has been welcomed by parents.
This energetic and dedicated work is replicated in other parts of the country.
“I met with Fr Adriano Ola, a diocesan priest, and his Japanese offsider Yasuhiro Wiragaina, established AIHSAUN – a very impressive centre of skills training for the disabled. They are very grateful for the assistance received via Salesian Missions Australia.
“Supporters of ASMOAF can be assured that their help is really making a difference in Timor Leste.” Genazzano, Immersion Program A group of twelve Year 10 students and two teachers from Genazzano FCJ College, Kew, Vic. were in Timor Leste for an ‘Immersion Experience’ in March 2014.
“The Timorese people were very kind and welcoming. We spent time in the Buigira village primary school of 70 students. After seeing how deteriorated the classrooms were and with limited resources, Genazzano has committed to helping them rebuild the school. Though many students looked undernourished, they tried incredibly hard to make sure we had a warm welcome. They were easily the kindest most polite children we have ever met.
“At the Salesian Sisters’ orphanage at Laga there are 120 girls. They are like one big family where each is deeply loved and cared for. We will always remember the time we spent with them; it was very emotional saying goodbye.
“Overall it was a truly rewarding and amazing experience.” Emma Borin, Zoe Gleeson, Catriona Mount, Stephanie Zambuni.
(Year 10, Genazzano FCJ College).
St Ives High School The Government High School at St Ives, north of Sydney, this year donated a large quantity of excess school uniforms to students in Timor Leste. They were distributed to the Don Bosco Technical School at Maliana, the Ossu Huna village, as well as the orphanages in Lospalos, Laga and Baguia.
When Br Michael Lynch visited the St Ives High School in June he assured them that the school uniforms are greatly valued as a ‘dress code” helps the students to better appreciate the importance of education.
In AustraliaAustralian Salesian Mission Overseas Aid Fund 13 Dr Sue English, a Melbourne GP who works closely with Salesian Missions, has gone to great lengths to help a young Timorese girl access radiology and spinal surgery in Australia. The following is taken from an article by Paul Hayes in the medical magazine Good Practice, July 2014: It was while working at the Salesian Sisters’ Orphanage in Venilale that Dr Sue met the then 13 year old Margareta, who was living at the orphanage.
“She had a spinal deformity. The vertebrae had been destroyed. Tuberculosis [TB] gets into the spine and starts to destroy the vertebrae,” Dr Sue said.
She discovered that Margareta had been living with TB all of her life and her mother died from the disease when she was a four year old, and the problems with her spine started the following year.
Margareta spent some time with her aunt before coming under the care of the Salesian Sisters, where she got the opportunity of a better life.
“She is fed, clothed and receives schooling,” Dr Sue said. “She also has the community of all the children.
There are 100 girls in the orphanage from six to 18 years- old.” Dr Sue understood that the severity of Margareta’s problem, coupled with an overall lack of quality medical services, meant that the chances of her having her spinal deformity corrected in East Timor were minimal, so she decided to seek help from Australia.
She arranged for Margareta to travel to Darwin (accompanied by Sister Letizia from the Orphanage) to have x-rays, CT’s and MRI’s on her spine. She later travelled to Melbourne for successful spinal surgery at Cabrini Hospital in March. The radiologists and surgeons provided their services free of charge and Margareta was supported by the Children First Foundation.
“Since the surgery she is now walking, sitting, carrying things and is eight-and-a-half centimetres taller. Her prognosis is great.
“Now Margareta will have the opportunity to live a normal life: go to university, marry and have children. It is a miracle.” Dr Sue English.
Friendship Groups The Timor Leste Ambassador in Australia, Mr Abel Guterres, has promoted the setting up of Friendship groups between Australian municipalities and districts in Timor. Three of these groups; Friends of Same (Hawthorn, Vic ) Friends of Viqueque (Geelong, Vic) and Friends of Luro (Leeton, NSW), support students attending Salesian schools by sending funds for their education via ASMOAF.
In addition there are other groups such as: • St John Bosco Parish, Engadine, NSW who assist schools in the Maliana Parish; • St Thomas More Parish, Mt Eliza, Vic helps to construct schools in the Laga district; • St Joseph’s Parish, Boronia, Vic assists the Lospalos Orphanage; • The Bairnsdale Friends of East Timor, Vic support St Antonio High School Baucau.; • Canberra Friends of Dili, Act, subsidise the education of girls at Don Bosco Technical School Fatumaca.
Helga’s Project for Kids Brenda Coughlan of Sale, Vic who is the driving force behind Helga’s Project for Kids, co-ordinates about 100 volunteers in Gippsland who knit blankets and other goods for Timor Leste. These items, together with boxes of school stationery, are sent in containers for families who live in the mountains.
Grace Nichols, from Ballarat Vic, worked as a volunteer for five weeks at the Salesian Sisters’ Laura Vicuna Orphanage in Laga, Timor Leste mid-2014.
Grace writes: “I knew I wanted to do some volunteer work and so in June I journeyed to the Sisters’ Orphanage in Laga. During my time there I taught a number of English classes as well as spending time playing and just being with the children.
“I settled after a challenging first week. The children were absolutely beautiful. I saw my role as largely being really interested in them and their activities. Some youngsters had lost both parents; however, I was very impressed with the joy they radiated.
“For me the time spent in the Orphanage at Laga was a wonderfully blessed experience. To God be the glory!” Life Changing Surgery.Financials 14 Australian Salesian Mission Overseas Aid Fund ASMOAF Privacy Statement Salesian Missions Australia is committed to protecting the privacy of donors and correspondents.
Any information provided to us remains private and confidential.
Our contact list is not rented, sold or exchanged.
DONORS’ WISHES Individual donors may earmark their donation for a specific country or project USED POSTAGE STAMPS Salesian Missions, PO Box 264, Ascot Vale Vic 3032 collects used stamps for fundraising purposes.
Mr Neville Miller and his group of volunteers continue to sort and sell the stamps on our behalf, for which we are very grateful. Funds raised are dispersed for education and relief purposes in Samoa, Guatemala, Timor Leste and the Philippines.
INCOME A$ General Donations and Bequests 1,841,841 Donations for Religious Purposes 32,459 Interest 40,221 1,914,521 1. Development & Education 848,884 2. Relief & Rehabilitation 797,735 3. Religious Projects 188,356 4. Community Education 81,304 5. Fundraising 42,320 6. Administration 145,450 7. Other Project Costs 17,816 2,121,865 FUNDS AVAILABLE January 1, 2013 1,213,602 December 31, 2013 1,006,258 1 2 3 4 5 7 6 CAGLIERO PROJECT The Cagliero Project offers long term (6-12 month) volunteer-abroad experiences to people across Australia.
The volunteers work in Salesian centres as teachers in schools, carers in orphanages and mentors in youth centres, using their skills and talents to assist disadvantaged youth.
Since 2008 The Cagliero Project has sent more than thirty volunteers to Salesian communities in Thailand, Cambodia, Samoa, Zambia and the Solomon Islands.
For further information: www.cagliero.org.au.
The Governing Board of ASMOAF Fr Gregory Chambers (Provincial) Chairman Fr Bernard Graham (Vice Provincial) Deputy Chairman Fr Anthony Quang Nguyen (Provincial Economer) Br Michael Harris Fr Mosese Tui Address Salesian Province Centre P O Box 264 ASCOT VALE Vic 3032 Staff Members Br Michael Lynch, Director, ASMOAF Mrs Olga Elliott, Office Manager Mrs Tina Newton, Administrative Assistant EXPENDITUREAustralian Salesian Mission Overseas Aid Fund 15 A copy of the audited financial statements may be obtained from: The Office Manager, Salesian Missions Office Audit Opinion In my opinion the Financial Report represents a true and fair view of the financial position of the Austra1ian Salesian Mission Overseas Aid Fund as at the 31 December 2013 and complies with the format required by the ACFID Code of Conduct.
Yours faithfully Kevin F Jones, FCA Chartered Accountant INTEGRITY VALUES ACCOUNTABILITY Salesian Society (Vic) Inc. is a signatory to the Australian Council for International Development Code of Conduct.
The Code sets out the standards of governance, management, financial control and reporting with which non-government development organisations must comply to maintain membership of ACFID.
The Code aims to enhance standards to ensure that public confidence is maintained in the way community contributions to overseas aid are used to reduce poverty through effective and sustainable development.
Compliance with the Code is met by submitting an annual report for assessment against established criteria and completing a selfassessment process designed by ACFID.
For more information go to www.acfid.asn.au Every effort is made to keep the administration costs as low as possible so as to maximise funds sent abroad for education and development projects.
Expenditure for the Year ended December 31, 2013 Payments to Administration Development Relief & Religious Total Overseas Partners & Education Rehabilitation Purposes $ Asia India 0 163,001 151,500 35,914 350,415 Timor Leste 0 114,642 307,523 109,488 531,653 Vietnam 0 0 224,902 0 224,902 Philippines 0 56,642 24,877 18,253 99,772 Pakistan 0 3,475 66 0 3,541 Myanmar 0 68,002 0 0 68,002 Sri Lanka 0 2 4,524 0 4,526 Cambodia 0 13,217 315 0 13,532 Mongolia 0 10,878 0 0 10,878 Africa Ethiopia 0 3,000 54,315 300 57,615 Congo 0 3,425 0 1,130 4,555 Mozambique 0 2,314 11 0 2,325 Kenya & Matercare 0 4,941 10 0 4,951 Sudan 0 101,704 9,338 0 111,042 Swaziland 0 18,089 0 0 18,089 Madagascar 0 1 0 0 1 Tanzania 0 48 0 0 48 Uganda/ Zambia 0 415 0 0 415 Central America Guatemala 0 8 0 0 8 South America Ecuador 0 6,233 0 87 6,320 Pacific Samoa 0 212,599 10,132 21,711 244,442 Papua New Guinea 0 40,000 0 0 40,000 Solomon Islands 0 19,267 0 473 19,740 Fiji 0 6,981 10,161 1,000 18,142 Payments in Australia Community Education 81,304 0 0 0 81,304 Fundraising 42,320 0 0 0 42,320 Administration 145,450 0 0 0 145,450 Project Support Costs 17,816 0 61 0 17,877 Total Payments 286,890 848,884 797,735 188,356 2,121,865 A bequest is one way of giving disadvantaged youth a real chance Another way of contributing is with a bequest in support of Don Bosco’s work for disadvantaged youth in developing countries.
A bequest, often known as a legacy, is a gift included in a Will. Making a bequest in the name of ASMOAF is easy.
This act of generosity has an impact that can continue into future generations. If this idea interests you please discuss it with a solicitor to ensure your Will accurately reflects your wishes.
For further information please contact the Salesian Missions Office.
Br Michael Lynch with students from the Don Bosco Orphanage Lospalos, Timor Leste. The students are wearing unforms donated by St Andrew’s Anglican School Walkerville, South Australia.
Donations can be made through our website www.salesians.org.au/ missions via the Make a Donation GiveNow icon.
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