Partner's Perspective:

a letter from Ahisaun

March 2009

This letter is to give full acknowledgement of the two International volunteers, Mr. Daniel and Mrs. Beth. Because these International Volunteers have worked so well with Ahisaun Foundation over the last 2-3 years, we would like to endorse them, with all our hearts, as a bridge between International donors and Ahisaun Foundation. Fr Adrian Ola Duli founded Ahisaun Foundation on April 19 2000 with support from Fr John Herd, who has been our partner from 2000 until now, although now he is studying in Italy. Fr Adrian also received support from an Australian organisation, Palms Australia, which would send volunteers to Ahisaun Foundation and give us their full attention and support.

We met many people from Palms' organisation who supported us, including Mr Michael and Mrs Cheree, who returned to Australia following security concerns in 2006. Following this we received two new volunteers, Mr Daniel and his wife Mrs Beth.

These two people worked so well, that all our staff and disabled people believe new volunteers are needed to replace Mr Daniel and his wife Beth to help build Ahisaun's future.

THESE TWO PEOPLE HAVE WORKED VERY WELL FOR AHISAUN, AND WE, THE STAFF AND MEMBERS OF AHISAUN, WOULD LIKE TO THINK WE CAN CONTINUE TO WORK AS PARTNERS WITH THEM FOR AHISAUN'S FUTURE, EVEN THOUGH THEY WILL BE REPLACED BY A NEW VOLUNTEER FROM PALMS.
(i.e. that even once we are back in Australia they hope we can continue to support their work in a partnership arrangement).

Between 2000 and now, we have experienced working with many International people, but they were not all like Mr Daniel and his wife Mrs Beth who understand Ahisaun's needs. We cannot count the many things Mr Daniel did for us in his works for Ahisaun, including communicating with Australian and overseas donors about Ahisaun.

We also would like to inform you that Ahisaun now has its own house in Aimutin. The disabled members of Ahisaun do not only learn through non-formal education, they also attend mainstream formal schools, some have completed their studies at university and some are still studying at school and university. Some of our disabled members also provide some training for non-disabled people at our land in Manuleu - Metinaro, and care for (i.e. raise) animals in Atabae. This shows our growing strength as an organisation as we move into the future.

We also would like to acknowledge our partnership with Caritas in Dili Diocese and our good relationships with government and other organisations.

Fr Adrian Ola Duli, Foundation (ASA)
Mario Cardoso, Executive Director
To Know, Bishop Dili Diocese
Fr Agostinho (SDB), Social Vicar
Dili, 2008
Translated by Angelino

Daniel Gilfillan will soon finish his placement with Ermera Parish and Ahisaun. Palms is seeking a volunteer to continue these relationships and build upon the good work that Daniel has done.

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