Daniel Gilfillan volunteering in Timor-Leste

Ermera Parish, Timor-Leste

Ermera district, located South-West of Dili in Timor-Leste, is home to almost 100,000 people. Since East Timor gained independence, the area has undergone some basic development with education, health, agriculture and community development being priority areas of concern.

Our Lady of Lourdes parish in Ermera provides a variety of services for the people of the district. In addition to being a central focus of the majority Catholic community, it provides schooling, health and other services and employment for many local people. Many development projects in the area are organised by parish employees.

The parish school provides education for pre-school through to high school students. There is a relationship with St Mark's Dingley, an Australian school which Ermera parish hopes to develop further through the work of a volunteer. Fr Adrian Ola put in a request with Palms Australia for an Education, Administration and Community Worker to train local teachers and staff in computer skills, administration, finance and community development.

Daniel Gilfillan

Daniel will be teaching computer skills to students and staff of the local school. He will also work to develop the relationship between the Ermera school and St Mark's school in Australia. He will assist in training the parish secretary in administrative and financial duties and building networks to form working relationships for the parish. Daniel will assist in identifying the needs of the community and initiating projects such as family support groups.

Daniel has previously volunteered for Palms Australia, the Rural Fire Service, Youth Challenge Australia and Austcare. He has worked as an engineer and in management positions. He is also a member of the Australian Army Reserve and has completed a Masters degree in Social Change and Development. Daniel also has a working knowledge of the Indonesian language. Palms and Ermera parish believe Daniel is very well equipped for the task.