Local Rotary empowers women overseas

A WOMEN’S centre in East Timor will receive a big boost, thanks to the Rotary Club of Berwick.
The club recently donated $7000 towards the development of the Atsabe Women’s Centre in East Timor, a Friends of Ermera project.
Formed in 2002, Friends of Ermerais a community-based group of concerned Casey residents who aim to help thepeople of Ermera, East Timor. It becamean incorporated association in May 2003.
The group aims to help people in Ermera rebuild their lives and communities by raising funds, organising the provision of goods, services and technical advice, and encouraging local Australian groups to assist in the process of recovery and reconstruction.
The Friends of Ermera also focus on water supply rehabilitation, building projects, provision of medical equipment and supplies, scholarships, youth leadership, education and work to build the skills of the people of Ermera.
Rotary Club of Berwick’s donation will help rebuild a facility in Atsabe, which will be used to provide training and services, and will have a café and accommodation. A kindergarten is included and 24 locals have been trained to add to the original staff of two.
There is a large room for workshops and a library is being started to encourage mothers to read to younger children. Friends of Ermera are organising education in personal finances and banking through co-operatives. Friends of Ermera will assist the women of Atsabe in developing skills to enable them to develop their own programs and eventually become self-sufficient.
Rebuilding involves using traditional local raw materials such as palms while retaining the character of the district. The building now has full plumbing and sanitation, the first in the area, and includes a substantial kitchen. It is expected to be completed in August 2011.