Newsletter for the Rotary Club of Greater Geraldton - Issue No.: 784 Issue Date: 13 May, 2024

Bruce Barlow was introduced by Douglas Bruce! (This Bruce bit is confusing!-ed)

Kid’s Ark School in Timor Leste

Bruce and his teams of volunteers have been assisting with the establishment and expansion of the school for many years. The latest project has been the stage four additions of four new class rooms. The school was at 322 pupils with class sizes of 35-40 with two teachers per class and due to numbers, split into morning and afternoon class groups. They are up to year 6 and planning to go to 7, and then build up into high school.

Bruce presented a slide show featuring the various stages of construction of the new rooms. Wherever possible, local employed labour and materials are used, an example being the brickwork and windows. He is extremely appreciative of the support he has received from Geraldton businesses with the supply of materials and voluntary labour as well. Geraldton ceilings provided those materials, Kleenpak has supplied a lot of supplies for the school and Tony Emmott has been assisting the electrical gear, to be fitted later this year. In addition, the “Spy Base” has sent sea containers with surplus desks, chairs and equipment that have been put to good use, even the CEO’s old desk! The new classes are in use, though do not have power yet.

Now up to 440 children, the school aims not just an academic style of education, but also to assist the children in the development of essential life skills. Garden areas are put to use with fruit and vegetable growing. Lunch is supplied to the children, together with their uniforms. Members noted from the slide how well behaved the children were and how they respect their elders! School fees are $5.50 per term and can be sponsored.

PP Pete Svensson thanked Bruce for his presentation and presented him with some sort of useful gadget!