Read here about Jeff's visit to the Manatuto school and water project.

On July 7, 2022, I was fortunate to visit the Manatuto school and water project. Judite (Ju Mar Martins), Messer’s Predo, Mersu, Gomez and I travelled up to Manatuto. I was very interested to see the many, many rice paddies which were abandoned. The land is not really been used now; such a shame. 

We travelled east from Dili along the highway I know well, which is in good shape these days.

The new school is very nice, large, and classes do not seem to be crowded.

The land around is pretty barren and the road to the school is rough. Children walk a long way to school. These children as in other children that I have observed in Timor Leste were very nicely dressed in uniforms. There is a real pride in the children of Timor Leste. I always feel that children there really value education and the opportunity to attend school.

We met some teachers and students. The school is nicely appointed, and well ventilated. Nice bathrooms with running water.

The water is supplied for a rainwater tank filled from run off from the roof (a new change), and, of course, the bore. We can only see the pipe and electrics to the bore. Apparently, the aquafer is about 40 metres down. The bore is fenced. I think 50mm pipe runs from the bore.

I carried some parts and wiring for a larger pump on my flight to Timor. This was about 10kg. There was some issue at customs as always but, with the documents from PADG Ray and my insistence that this was a donation for children, I was allowed to pass unscathed!