Timor Leste Early Childhood Rotary Foundation Grant

 

Dear Fellow Rotarians,

I am incredibly excited to share some fantastic news about a project very close to our hearts: the Early Childhood Education in Timor-Leste Rotary Global Grant.

We launched this vital initiative together with UNICEF, the Rotary Club of Mana Tangata Breezeway On-line, and the Rotary Club of Dili Lafaek to give young children in Timor-Leste a better start in life.

Right now, a team of our Rotary friends is on the ground for the Rotary ASEAN Mission. I am absolutely thrilled to let you know that at the end of October they had an official meeting with His Excellency Dr. José Ramos-Horta, the President of Timor-Leste and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate. They shared exactly what our District's Global Grant is achieving on the ground with the President.

A Massive Thank You to Our Project Champions

This milestone would not have been possible without the incredible dedication of our own D9940 members. I want to say a huge thank you to PDG Wayne Gordon and PDG Jocelyn Hogg from our District. Their tireless work, leadership, and passion have been the driving force behind this Global Grant, and we are so proud to see their efforts recognized at the highest international level. Also thanks must go to The Rotary Club of Wellington North club for their financial support helping to make this possible. 

What Our Project is Doing

By joining forces with UNICEF, our Foundation funds are doing incredible work where it is needed most:

  • Opening Preschools: Setting up safe, welcoming spaces for young children to learn.
  • Training Teachers: Giving local educators the tools and training they need for play-based early learning.
  • Creating a Future: Giving children a strong educational foundation to help break the cycle of poverty.

Why This Meeting Matters

To have our project presented directly to a Head of State is a massive achievement. It shows just how much the government values and trusts Rotary's work. President Ramos-Horta is incredibly passionate about youth development, and his support will give our project wonderful national visibility.

Even though we are thousands of miles away, your support made this happen. Every donation and every bit of effort from our District 9940 family helped pave the way to the Presidential Palace.

Thank you to everyone who supports The Rotary Foundation. Together, we are truly changing lives.

Warm regards,

Irina Francken
District Rotary Foundation Committee Chair (DRFCC)

 

Footnote:
A special thank you to Rotarian Irina Francken for the countless hours she has devoted to bringing this Global Grant together. Her knowledge, experience and valuable contacts throughout the ASEAN countries have been an enormous asset. Her willingness to also support and guide other clubs as they navigate the grant process is equally appreciated. Irina, your dedication and generosity with your time and expertise certainly do not go unnoticed, and we are extremely grateful for all that you do.  
 

Jocelyn Hogg

Breezeway Satellite On-Line
District 9940