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For the teens - A little news from MAF
Perhaps you have heard on the news of the country called East Timor and perhaps you also know where to find it on a map. If you don't, let me help you.
It lies to the north of Australia and shares a large island with a part of Indonesia. Its one million people have suffered greatly -not only in recent times. Five hundred years ago the Portuguese controlled the east and the Dutch the west. After the Portuguese withdrew in 1975 and up to 1999 when the UN administered a referendum Indonesia occupied East Timor. After serious conflict independence came in 2002. Today it is regarded as the weakest and poorest in Asia.
The UN withdrew in 2005 and took with it its fleet of fixed-wing aircraft and all but two of its helicopters. A survey revealed that an MAF (Mission Aviation Fellowship) service would help many struggling Timorese people both personally and in its efforts to rebuilt their nation. The way was opened up last October for flying to begin. An anonymous donation is enabling the purchase of a GA8 Airvan aircraft, and work is expected to begin this month.
Apart from destroyed infrastructure, the rugged terrain and rough, winding roads make travel very slow indeed. The aircraft will particularly help disadvantaged people in the enclave of Oecussi and outer regions such as Biqueque and Suai. Basic health is expected to improve. The many health posts will benefit. The travel time from the capital Dili to Oecussi will go down by 93%. Community development projects will be enhanced, as will the installation of clean water supplies.
It is expected that the plane could fly 80,000 mjles for patients. It could also transport up to 52,000 kg of medical supplies, food and materials for education and community development.
This will give you a little idea of what important work this particular charity does in lands far distant from ours.
The Girls' Brigade
The Girls' Brigade wishes to thank everyone for donating their Christmas cards. Believe it or not we received 10,814 cards for the preservation of trees in the Woodlands Trust Save a Tree Campaign. This is reckoned to be the equivalent of saving 17 trees.
The Alice MacLeod Trophy this year was for potted sports. We are delighted that our company were the winners. Congratulations to Nicole Harrison, Christina Flynn, Brogan Kelman and Chloe Tannahill.
The following team entered the National Bible Competition - Nicole Harrison (Explorer), Luisa Lennox (Junior), Emma Baillie (Brigader) and Mrs Louise Gray (Officer). It was based on Jonah, Joseph and Ruth. They did not receive a place but it was good that they took part.
The company also participated in the Marr and Kellie National Competition for Crafts but did not receive a place. Those participating were Lauren Duffy, Joanna Lees, Hannah Cunningham and Caitlin McNally.
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