Club launches Timor project
YOUNG Timorese professionals have travelled to North Queensland to take part in a life- changing development experience.
New Generations Service Exchange Program chair Sue Wilson said the pilot program was a unique cross- cultural program for university students and young professionals up to the age of 30.
“During their stay, the participants will make connections with service- minded community business leaders, improve their English, build their professional skills, experience our region and explore a new culture while giving back through service,” Mrs Wilson said
The program has been launched for the first time in Rotary District 9550, one of the largest Rotary districts in Australia which spans across most of the Northern Territory, North Queensland and East Timor.
Rotary Clubs in Townsville, Cairns and Mareeba will host a share of the intake of young professionals for eight weeks. The young professionals in Townsville include Patricio Pires ( mechanics – sponsored by Townsville Sunrise) and Lucia Da Silva ( social worker – sponsored by Thuringowa Central).
Rotary Saints of Townsville, Rotary Club of Townsville, Rotary Club of Townsville Central and Rotary Club of Mundingburra are also assisting.
The group’s visit will include participation in the district’s annual conference at Ingham in early May.
Mrs Wilson said the new generation pilot program was designed to have a specific focus on East Timor, however, it was hoped future exchanges could be established with other countries.
“The most important thing is what happens when they return to their communities and impart their new- found knowledge,” she said.
“They will return to this young, developing nation to teach new colleagues new processes and ideas.”