Life-changing program

Published: 15 January 2012

THE Order of Malta has reported readers of The Catholic Leader have helped with its latest development efforts in Timor-Leste (East Timor).

Australian members of the order appealed for donations through an Order of Malta feature in The Leader on October 30, and they received some generous contributions to help with an orphanage project.

Following the appeal to help raise funds to build a much needed new toilet block and laundry facility for the Carmelite Sisters' orphanage in Maubara, the Order of Malta's Ambassador to Timor-Leste David Scarf arranged for a volunteer work group from Warrane College at the University of NSW to travel to Timor-Leste to complete the project.

The volunteers not only covered their own expenses and provided free labour for the project, they also raised funds to buy the materials required for the job.

The group worked on the project for three weeks from November 19, toiling through the blazing heat and relentless humidity to complete the project.

A spokesperson for the Order of Malta said after many early-morning starts and late-evening finishes, the new toilet block was finished.

"Despite the arduous construction schedule, the volunteers were also able to spend time with the children, teaching them English, playing football and forming friendships," the spokesperson said.

"The tears from the children at the work group's departure showed what a profound impact the boys had made on the children in such a short time."

One of the volunteers, Adrian Morris, described the experience as "life-changing" and said: "I am sure that all of us who were involved consider ourselves blessed to have been given this opportunity."

Ambassador Scarf was full of praise for all members of the volunteers, saying that their generosity of time, money and spirit was fundamental to having this worthwhile project completed for the benefit of the orphans of Maubara.