MICK Gentleman has outlined the contribution the ACT community has been able to provide to our Friendship city Dili (in Timor-Leste) as part of the Centenary charity drive.

“The Canberra community can be proud of the legacy these projects leave and the difference they are already making to the lives of young people and future leaders of Timor-Leste.” Mick said

Mick has recently been to Dili to open the Timorese National Activities Centre for Scouts, built by the Canberra community’s generosity.

“It will be a base for all scouting activity and leadership training in Timor-Leste and a useful resource for kindred organisations,” Mick said.

“We visited Aimutin Primary School with the Scouts and saw the sanitation block which serves a school of 1,119 students and twenty-five teachers. Prior to the block being built the school operated with three toilets for children and one for teachers.

“The Sanitation and health block, including the hand washing facilities and educations signs (in Tetun) were met by the Dollars for Dili project. In addition the school was painted, cooking area insulated and painted, existing toilets repaired and much needed educational supplies were purchased for the school with support through the program.

“I cannot begin to describe how grateful the students, teachers and parents are for these projects, which have been supported by Dollars for Dili, in partnership with the Scouts and Rotary.

The ACT community donated a total of $238,000 throughout the year long campaign, with $47,000 coming from the ACT Government directly.

“I would like to thank all of those involved in this project, epically Neville Tomkins who voluntarily and tirelessly worked to make this a reality” Minister Gentleman concluded.