Friends visit from E Timor

Published: 25 July 2004

East Timorese visitors and Friends and Partners with East Timor (FPET) members (from left) Goris Mau Susa, Joel Hodge, Meka de Silva, Anna McAuliffe, Queta de Silva, Aje de Nires Pires and James Johnson at Brisbane airport

FOUR young East Timorese are spending three weeks in Brisbane strengthening the bonds of friendship with parishioners in Bardon and St Johns Wood/The Gap.

They are being hosted by Friends and Partners with East Timor (FPET), a group which originated in the two parishes, but now encompasses other parishes, including Enoggera.

The group has built up a relationship with Atabae Parish in East Timor, supporting them through material aid and small development projects.

The aim of the visit, from July 10 to August 2, is to strengthen the relationship and cultural bonds between the people in the parishes.

FPET president Jim Johnson said for the partnership to be successful, visits had to be made so that the two countries could learn how to help each other and overcome any obstacles.

Last December, FPET sponsored three young people from Brisbane on a visit to Atabae Parish, where more than 20 villages in mountainous country are looked after by one priest and four nurses.

The four East Timorese visitors, comprising two men, Atabae parish youth leader, Aje de Nires Pires, 30, and Goris Mau Susa, 20, and two women, Meka de Silva, 21, and Queta de Silva, 24, said their people were grateful for the help FPET had provided.

'It was important for us to know that we were not alone in the hardships we experienced,' Meka said.

She said the partnership had helped with emergency food aid, support for widows and orphans, improving the water supply, health and education and the agricultural and fishing industries.

Yet, there were still great needs in the parish, especially for education and young people, she said.

'Many people have forgotten about us.'

Goris said young Timorese were desperate and frustrated, with no jobs and no chance for further education.

While in Brisbane, the foursome are attending English classes, speaking at Masses and visiting schools, as well as doing some fun Aussie activities.