Mornington Peninsula Friends of Lospalos Trip Report – September 2024

From Saturday 21 September to Sunday 29 September 2024, members of the Mornington Peninsula Friends of Lospalos (MPFOLP) visited Timor-Leste to strengthen our partnership with the Lospalos community, review ongoing projects, and explore opportunities for future collaboration. The visiting Friends delegation consisted of Tim Rodgers (Vice President), Graham Pittock (Deputy Vice President), Xiao Ma (Secretary), and Michael Callahan (General Member). Below is a detailed breakdown of the meetings and project visits that occurred during the trip.

Purpose of the Trip: The primary goal of the visit was to continue building the 20-year friendship between the Mornington Peninsula and Lospalos municipalities, follow up on important healthcare, education, and community projects, and explore ways to enhance cooperation moving forward.

1. Dili – Meetings with the Australian Embassy and National Eye Centre

Sunday, 22 September – Meeting with Deputy Australian Ambassador Edward Wilkinson

Our visit began with a meeting with Edward Wilkinson, Deputy Australian Ambassador to TimorLeste. During the meeting, we shared an overview of the work MPFOLP has been doing in Lospalos over the past two decades. As a token of appreciation, Tim Rodgers presented the ambassador with TimTams, which were well received.

Monday, 23 September – Meeting with Dr. Valeriu, Head of Ophthalmology, National Eye Centre

We met with Dr. Valeriu, the head of the Ophthalmology Department at the National Eye Centre in Dili, to discuss the ongoing glasses project and medical referrals from Lospalos.

Key Discussion Points:

• A general practitioner in Lospalos has been trained to diagnose and refer patients needing specialist eye care to the National Eye Centre.
• A referral process is in place between Lospalos and the Dili Eye Centre, though overcrowding remains a challenge.
• A mobile eye clinic visits municipalities monthly, providing three operations per visit. Since the last Specs Clinic, 15 patients from Lospalos have undergone surgery in Dili.
• There is a need for additional ophthalmology equipment, such as microscopes, and Dr. Valeriu suggested MPFOLP send an official letter to the Ministry of Health before future visits to ensure better coordination.
• Since the last Specs Clinic, 15 patients from Lospalos have had surgery in Dili.
• There is a possibility of supporting a Lospalos general practitioner with a scholarship to study ophthalmology, which would require a three-year commitment.

Outcome: This meeting highlighted the ongoing need for MPFOLP's support in providing vital equipment and continuing the Specs Clinics.

Monday, 23 September – Meeting with Isabel de Lima from the Instituto Nacional de Desenvolvimento de Mão-de-Obra (INDMO)

Later that day, we met with Isabel de Lima, President of the Instituto Nacional de Desenvolvimento de Mão-de-Obra (INDMO), and her team. The INDMO sets standards for vocational training institutions in Timor-Leste, and the discussion centered on vocational training in the region.

Key Points Discussed:

• The INDMO oversees levels 1 to 4 vocational qualifications, and next year, the competency board will move to a new venue in Tibar, where they plan to revise standards to align with international norms.
• Oscar Belo, has been granted a license to run the Centro Formação Professional Ono-Liu vocational training centre in Baucau. Isabel encouraged Michael to submit an application to secure government funding for the training centre.
• Potential for Baucau to become a regional hub for vocational education in the eastern part of Timor-Leste.

Monday, 23 September – Dinner with Scholarship Students

That evening, we had dinner with Margie Beck AM and four students from the David and Patricia Ball Scholarship program: Azefina Constancio, Erfina da Costa Noronha, Alicia Gorete Fernandes, and Diana de Ceu Fernandes. These students are studying at Baucau Teachers College and are on track to become qualified teachers.

Key Takeaways:

• All four students expressed gratitude to MPFOLP for providing fully funded scholarships and are excelling academically. Upon completion of their studies, they intend to work as junior secondary school teachers.
• They are all adjusting well to student life and are performing well in their coursework.

2. Baucau – Visits to Vocational Training Centres

Tuesday, 24 September – Visit to Centro Formação Professional Ono-Liu

We visited Centro Formação Professional Ono-Liu vocational training centre in Baucau, run by Oscar Belo. During our visit, we were given a tour of the facilities and discussed the centre’s challenges in securing funding to sustain its operations.

Key Points:

• Oscar Belo is encouraged to seek government funding to open the centre. Michael plans to visit Isabel de Lima with Oscal in Dili to discuss criterions for the government grant application.
• MPFOLP does not have the funds to support the operational costs of the centre.
• Michael Callahan will assist Oscar with funding inquiries, investigate the reasons behind the initial closure of the training center, explore opportunities to revive the facility within the Friends of Bacau municipality, and prepare a report on his findings.

Tuesday, 24 September – Visit to Fatumaca Training Centre

Our next stop was the Fatumaca Training Centre, where we met with the Director, Lislivo, and learned about the vocational training programs available in mechanics, carpentry, electrical work, and electronics.

Key Points:

• Graduates receive certificates from the Ministry of Education, and 70% secure employment, either locally or abroad. Others pursue further education.
• The training programs are not funded by the government but by the Salesian denomination. Tuition is $50 per month for boarding students, and the centre can accommodate up to 50 students.
• There are opportunities for partnerships with businesses, and this could be explored further.

Outcome: The visit showcased the strong vocational training programs available in Baucau, with potential for Oscar Belo to explore collaborations in the future.

3. Lospalos – Key Meetings and Project Reviews Wednesday, 25 September – Meeting with Presidente Autoridade Munisipal (PAM) Lautem

We met with officials from the Lautem district, including Chief of Cabinet Ze Meigo Meto, Director of Finances Delfin de Jesus, and Director of Human Resources Bernardo Amaral Lopes. The meeting focused on maintaining and strengthening the 20-year friendship between our two municipalities.

Key Discussion Points:

• The long-standing success of our friendship was discussed, and it was agreed that MPFOLP has provided significant funds for numerous successful projects over the years.
• We explored the possibility of a youth exchange program between Australia and Lospalos.
• A suggestion was made for more frequent visits by the Friends to Lospalos.

Outcome: The meeting reaffirmed the mutual commitment to collaboration for future projects.

Wednesday, 25 September – Meeting with Lospalos Eye Hospital Representatives

We met with Dr. Juvenal from the Lospalos Eye Clinic and Ms. Dr. Lolalina Da Conceicao Freitas, Chief of the Lospalos Hospital, to discuss the Specs Clinics and the hospital’s needs. •

Key Feedback:

• The Specs Clinics have been a significant benefit to the community, and the hospital expressed gratitude for MPFOLP’s support.
• The hospital struggles with a lack of ophthalmology equipment, and there is a need for specialist sunglasses and frames (if possible, without the lens).
• The MPFOLP delegation thanked the Lospalos Eye Hospital for its continued support and cooperation, especially during the past two Specs Clinics held in the area.
• Dr. Lolalina, who has been working at the hospital for the past six months, shared insights into the hospital’s current operations. She explained that patient referrals are regularly made to the Dili Eye Centre when specialized consultations or surgeries are needed. The hospital has identified that approximately 25% of patients suffer from cataracts, and 15% from pterygium, highlighting the need for continued specialist interventions.
• One of the main challenges identified was the lack of ophthalmology equipment. The hospital expressed the need for further donations of specialist equipment, such as microscopes, which would significantly improve their ability to diagnose and treat eye conditions. It was suggested that MPFOLP work closely with Dr. Lolalina to identify and supply the required equipment.
• The meeting also discussed the current referral process for patients requiring surgery. Dr. Lolalina outlined that patients are referred to the Dili Eye Centre for operations, including cataract and pterygium surgeries. The hospital works closely with the Centre to arrange for transportation and accommodation for patients, particularly for those without family support in Dili. However, it was noted that accommodation is limited, and overcrowding sometimes leads to patients being turned away.
• The hospital has identified that 15 patients from Lospalos have undergone surgery in Dili since the last Specs Clinic. This highlights the impact of the clinics and the importance of continued collaboration.
• The Lospalos Eye Hospital expressed strong support for future Specs Clinics. o The hospital welcomed the idea of testing students’ eyes but emphasized that they do not wish to prioritize one group over others. Their goal is to ensure that all community members have access to eye care services, regardless of age or status.
• The hospital highlighted that when patients require specialist sunglasses or prescription lenses, the Lospalos Eye Clinic provides frames, while the CNTL Centre of Eyes in Dili manufactures the optical lenses. However, these sunglasses are expensive, and a minimum of 15 referrals is needed before they can place an order.
• The hospital expressed appreciation for the donation of glasses from MPFOLP and suggested that Friends continue to provide frames, while the lenses could be custom-ordered from Dili once the prescriptions have been determined.
• One of the hospital’s key goals for future Specs Clinics is to expand outreach to rural areas. o Both the Director and a general practitioner from the hospital would like to accompany the Friends to help with testing and referrals during future Specs Clinics.

Outcome: The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to continue the partnership between MPFOLP and the Lospalos Eye Hospital. It was agreed that further correspondence should be made between Colleen (MPFOLP President) and Dr. Lolalina to discuss the hospital’s specific needs and how MPFOLP can assist in addressing them.

4. Visits to Completed and Potential Project Sites

Thursday, 26 September – Project Visit in Lere Anaix

We visited a public school in Lere Anaix, which serves approximately 800 students aged 15 to 17. The school requested support for building a multi-purpose basketball court and expanding the existing library building.

Outcome:

• The school was encouraged to submit a formal proposal to the Commission for MPFOLP’s consideration. Both projects would require significant investment, including steel reinforcement, concreting, and costings.

Thursday, 26 September – Project Visits to Oomucano village

On 26 September 2024, we traveled to Oomaco Village, a small but vibrant community in the Lautem district. Upon arrival, we were welcomed by the chief and village leaders. The meeting focused on key infrastructure issues, with a particular emphasis on water supply, which remains one of the village’s pressing concerns. While the village does have some water supply, it is insufficient to meet the needs of the growing population. Discussed process for proposals to be submitted to the Commission for review and then sent to MPFOLP for final approval.

Outcome:

• Tim Rodgers donated a water tank, pipes, and fittings to Oomucano village for their water supply, at a personal cost of US$295. The donation will help address water supply and health determinants for the villagers.

Friday, 27 September – Visit to Lore II Project Site

At Lore II, we learned that the village had already received funding from PNDS to rehabilitate the Community Literacy Centre. They requested permission from MPFOLP to reallocate the funds previously set aside for this project to another initiative.

Outcome: The village chief will submit a formal request for reallocation, and the MPFOLP Committee will consider it.

5. Visit to Cacvei and Final Commission Meeting in Lospalos

Friday, 27 September – Visit to Cacavei Project Site

On Friday, 27 Spetember, we visited Cacavei, a village where we provided funding for the construction of a Youth Training Centre. The facility is designed to offer vocational training programs, such as basic computer skills, to empower local youth and enhance their employment prospects.

Key Observations:

• During the visit, we inspected the centre and reviewed its operations. The training facility is utilized by the local youth. The Friends were pleased to see the impact of the centre on the community.
• While touring the site, we noted a maintenance issue with the SkyHydrant water filtration system installed at the centre. A leaking pipe was affecting the system’s performance. Graham Pittock donated US$30 to cover the cost of parts needed to repair the leak. He also provided the village chief with guidance on maintaining the SkyHydrant, explaining its importance in purifying water for drinking.
• The Friends observed that the SkyHydrant is an essential resource for the village, with many locals coming to the centre to collect clean, drinkable water.

Outcome: The system plays a critical role in improving the community’s health and reducing reliance on unsafe water sources.

Friday, 27 September – Commission Meeting

Our final meeting in Lospalos was with the Commission, where we discussed ongoing cooperation and project management.

Key Requests from the Commission:

• Proposals not submitted on time will no longer be valid.
• A request has been made for the Focal Point Worker to submit bi-monthly work plans to the MPFOLP.
• A cap of US$3,000 per project was suggested to ensure funding efficiency.
• The Commission requested funding for a laptop and printer for use by the Focal Point Worker.
• It was agreed that travel for Commission Focal Point Worker operating purposes would be reimbursed at a cost of 40 cents per kilometre. Payment will be made upon receipt of the commission meeting minutes and submission of the completed travel claim log book each month by the Focal Point Worker.

Outcome: Both MPFOLP and the Commission agreed to improve communication, streamline proposal submissions, and ensure timely project approvals.

Conclusion:

This trip was instrumental in reinforcing the strong bond between MPFOLP and the Lospalos community. Our meetings in Dili, Baucau, and Lospalos confirmed that MPFOLP’s work over the last 20 years has made a significant positive impact. We are committed to continuing our support, with a particular focus on healthcare, vocational training, and infrastructure development.