What they were missing on campus was a place to congregate and shelter. While there were some very basic outdoor recreational facilities, these structures provided no protection from the searing heat and monsoonal rains.
We knew that simple, but solid buildings could make a real difference to the experience of these young people and their teachers.
So, after consulting with the school principal, Brother Marcal, a Salesian Brother, we set about facilitating a build of this “hall without walls” – a structure that would shelter the exposed basketball court and provide a natural hub for community events.
Just weeks ago, we traveled back to Maliana as a family to join the students and local community for the official opening of this building (see main photo above).
We felt so privileged to be involved, and to watch as this school creates its own history.
We were genuinely humbled by the generous hospitality provided to us by this community and consider ourselves lifelong friends.
The building looks fantastic and the project is beautifully aligned with our own philanthropic goals: it is sustainable for the long term and it has the backing of the Timorese Government.
In addition, the Salesian Brothers have a long history in Timor-Leste and have committed to operating this school for the next fifty years.
We will continue to support this school because we believe it represents the best of what Timor-Leste’s future can be.
There is so much more we can do and are planning for Timor-Leste.
We look forward to providing further updates shortly of another project in the region working with younger children.