EAST TIMOR SERVICE LEARNING TOUR 2019 TABLE OF CONTENTS ɦ
Introduction Page 2 Destination Information Page 3 Draft Schedule Page 4 Staff Page 5 Language Page 5 Transportation and Guide Page 5 Money Page 5 Accommodation Page 6 Food and Water Page 7 Mobile Phones Page 7 Security Page7 Road Safety Page 8 Out and About Page 8 Clothing and Etiquette Page 8 Getting Lost Page 9 Packing and Medical Kit Page 9-12 Contact Numbers Page 13
Page 1 | PLC Sydney East Timor Service Learning Trip 2019 INTRODUCTIONɦ
The untouched natural beauty of Timor-Leste (also known as East Timor) combined with its unique built heritage will captivate and inspire you. East Timor offers crystal clear waters framed by luxurious vegetation and coral reefs, as well as charming Portuguese architecture and monuments. The country’s biggest asset is perhaps the people of East Timor. Visitors to the country are made to feel truly welcome wherever they go. Becora and Comoro, the two schools you will be visiting, are no exception. You will be greeted with warm smiles and greetings by all staff and students. This Service Learning Tour will challenge you and transform your very heart and soul. Most of you are probably feeling a mix of excitement and fear as you embark on the opportunities presented by the upcoming trip. Hopefully the excitement will increase and the fear will subside as you read the following information. The information in this booklet should be read by both parents and students.
Page 2 | PLC Sydney East Timor Service Learning Trip 2019 DESTINATION INFORMATIONɦ
Diliɦɦ Dili is the capital city of Timor-Leste. It is a charming little seaside city that lies in the northern coast of east Timor. It’s unique and diverse landscape offers reefs that are home to an array of marine creatures including turtles, whales and colourful tropical fish. Dili has an interesting heritage and the large Cristo Rei de Dili statue is on a hilltop east of the city, offering views of its crystal clear bay. ɦ The greatest challenge for the students on this trip will come from confronting real poverty and hardship in a developing country and offering genuine support to the community. Students will be volunteering in two schools, Becora and Comoro. At each school, students will have the opportunity to teach art and craft lessons in the morning and paint the walls of the school in the afternoon. Becora Kindergarten Schoolɦɦ Becora School is a small local school which has approximately 90 students ranging from 3 to 6 years old. At this school students will be teaching a lesson or two in the morning followed by painting in the afternoon. Students will return to the Hotel for lunch. ɦ Comoro Schoolɦ Comoro School is a larger school with approximately 150 students ranging from 5 to 12 year olds. At this school students will be teaching a lesson or two in the morning followed by painting in the afternoon. Students will return to the Hotel for lunch. Please visit the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website for up to date information on travel to East Timor www.smartraveller.gov.au
Page 3 | PLC Sydney East Timor Service Learning Trip 2019 DRAFT SCHEDULEɦ
Date AM PM Accommodation Friday 5 July Fly Arrive – Darwin Arrive Qantas Airlines Desk 6.00am Friday 5 July Depart for Dili Airport Arrive Dili Airport at 5pm Hotel Esplanada, Dili
Saturday 6 July Dili – Breakfast at Hotel Painting at Becora Hotel Esplanada, Dili Esplanada Debrief and dinner at Hotel School visit to Becora Esplanada Kindergarten Lunch a Sunday 7 July Cooking Class at Agora Food Visit to the Tai Market Hotel Esplanada, Dili Studio, Dilli Debrief and dinner at Esplanada Monday 8 July Visit to Comoro School Painting at Comoro Hotel Esplanada, Dili Debrief and dinner at Esplanada Tuesday 9 July Visit to Comoro School Painting at Comoro Hotel Esplanada, Dili Debrief and dinner at Esplanada Wednesday 10 July Visit to the Museum Lunch by the beach or at Hotel Esplanada, Dili Hotel Esplanada Beach / Kayaking Dinner at Esplanada Thursday 11 July Visit to Motael Church Cristo Rei Of Dili Statue walk Hotel Esplanada, Dili Visit to the Fruit Market
Friday 12 July Visit to the Art Gallery Visit to the Tai Market Hotel Esplanada, Dili Guided Sunset Walk
Saturday 13 July Arrive in Darwin at 10am Home Home Arrive in Sydney 2.45pm
ɦ
Page 4 | PLC Sydney East Timor Service Learning Trip 2019 STAFFɦ
Students will be accompanied by the following members of staff from PLC Sydney: Miss Vanessa Romero (East Timor Service Learning Coordinator), Miss Zoe Coyte (English and History Teacher), Ms Mary Mitchell (Junior School Teacher), Mr Fred Zayat and Mrs Marian Zayat (Maintenance Staff) LANGUAGEɦ
The main language is Tetum/Tetun (traditional Timorese language) , although English, Portuguese and Indonesian are prevalent. During our weekly briefings Miss Romero will teach students some basic Tetun such as hello, good bye, thank you.bb TRANSPORTATION AND GUIDEɦ
Upon arrival to Dili, Fred who has been working in Maintenance for PLC for the last 20 years, will hire a bus and escort the group to and from the schools and Hotel Esplanada. Fred has been visiting East Timor since 2003 and is very familiar with Dili. He will be acting as driver and guide on this tour. MONEYɦ
East Timor uses US Dollars. You will need to change money in Australia before you leave. Money for food and recreational activities will be provided by PLC so you will just need to bring spending money. $50 - $100 will be sufficient. When changing money ask for small denominations as getting change from small traders in East Timor can be a problem. You also need to remember how poor East Timor is. For that reason, it is unwise to carry large amounts of money or wear expensive jewelry. Street crime is rare but there are a few tourists currently visiting East Timor. Keep money and valuables locked away at the hotel. All rooms in the hotel offer safety deposit boxes. Carry small amounts of money in a money belt under your clothing. Students will have the opportunity to buy some food and snacks. There will be some brief opportunities for shopping. This amount of money required is at parental discretion.
Page 5 | PLC Sydney East Timor Service Learning Trip 2019 ACCOMMODATIONɦɦ
ɦ ɦ Contact details forɦɦ Hotel Esplanadaɦ Avenida da Portugal Beach Road Dili, Timor Wschodni PH: (670) 723 7110 One of the premiere boutique hotels in Timor-Leste. With panoramic views across the expansive Dili bay area from the upstairs restaurant and its smart modern interiors, this small hotel offers you the best accomodation in the city of Dili. The restaurant offers fresh, innovative cuisine and balmy onshore breezes from the beach directly in front of the hotel. Situated on the Avenida da Portugal, alongside many international embassies, this premium location offers the best views and aspects in the city. Hotel Esplanada will be the group’s accommodation in Dili. Students will be at this hotel for 7 nights.
Page 6 | PLC Sydney East Timor Service Learning Trip 2019 FOOD AND WATERɦ
Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided by the hotel and are included as part of the cost. You will need to take the usual precautions when travelling in poor countries. Avoid consuming drinks with ice cubes and drink only bottled water. Well cooked meat and vegetables are generally safer than salads and other raw food. Please advise staff on the health form if your daughter has any allergies. MOBILE PHONESɦɦ
While there is reception for mobile phones, calls are very costly. There will be wifi at the hotel. Students are encouraged to take advantage of ifi rather than global roaming. It is recommended that students download viber or whatsapp to make phone calls more economical. Staff will have a mobiles in the case of an emergency. Students may also use staff phone to contact home in the event that their mobile is not working. If a student takes a mobile phone its security is entirely her own responsibility. SECURITYɦ
As a developing nation, Timor-Leste has segments of its population that are very poor. While begging is discouraged by the government, it is a reality of everyday life in Timor-Leste. It is advisable to be polite but firm when responding to beggars. Each individual will need to decide how best to respond to a request. At times the staff and students may be approached by people attempting to sell small souvenirs at often very inflated prices. Be polite but aware. Bargaining and banter is generally all very good natured and part of the experience, but everyone should maintain a friendly smile and patience when conducting transactions. Becoming angry and aggressive is viewed as very bad manners in Timor-Leste. It is important to be aware of belongings at all times. When in the street keep all spending money in a money belt or purse under the clothes. Larger amounts of cash and passports should be left in the hotel safe where they will be secure. Leaving cash or valuable documents out in rooms is unwise. Students’ main bags should also be left padlocked in the hotel room. They are highly unlikely to be touched, but as the wages are very low it is better to be safe than sorry. When in transit, passports must be kept in a bag or money belt worn under the clothes. They should only be brought out in a secure environment.
Page 7 | PLC Sydney East Timor Service Learning Trip 2019 ROAD SAFETYɦ
One of the greatest challenges in Timor-Leste is crossing the road. Their system works, but it is very different to our own approach. In Dili, the traffic seldom stops, moving along at a fairly steady 30 to 40 km/h. To cross the road one must walk across quite slowly but steadily, watching oncoming vehicles. Students must trust the traffic to go around them. It will, as long as your movements are predictable. Sudden spurts of speed may well cause problems so it is important to walk slowly and carefully. In Dili, students will be accompanied by staff when crossing the road. However, all students must be fully engaged and focussed when crossing and are not just to rely on staff. OUT AND ABOUTɦ
Students must wear hats and sunscreen at all times. The heat in Timor-Leste can be very harsh and students must be vigilant in protecting themselves from sun stroke. During the day, students will also need to drink plenty of bottled water. This is particularly important for girls taking Doxycycline. A day pack should contain such items as a plastic raincoat, sunscreen, insect repellent, first aid kit, tissues, camera and water bottle, a hat, and hand sanitiser. It should have a small padlock (available very cheaply at discount stores) to discourage any attempt at theft and to protect a camera. CLOTHING AND ETIQUETTEɦ
The climate in Timor-Leste is very hot and dry and your clothing need to reflect this. During your teaching time you will need to be dressed in neat casual clothing including shoes. We will return to the hotel after each lesson and you will have a chance to change into working clothes for the afternoon work period. These clothes need to be old ones as you are sure to get paint on them. For cultural reasons, it is important that clothing is modest and respectful at all times. As a consequence, no singlet tops, low cut tops, short shorts are to be worn at any time. If students are wearing incorrect attire they will be sent back to their rooms to change. Students must all be aware that throughout the tour, they are representing PLC and must maintain the highest standards of behaviour and courtesy at all times. We trust the girls to behave in a manner which reflects credit on both themselves and the school. Normal school rules apply in all situations but particularly in relation to illicit drugs, alcohol and smoking. Any incidents of misbehaviour will be reported to Dr Paul Burgis who will contact parents.
Page 8 | PLC Sydney East Timor Service Learning Trip 2019 GETTING LOSTɦ
Students will be with a group at most times. Should someone become separated from the party, they should follow the following procedure: Use your mobile to call a staff member or another student. or, if this is not possible: 1. Try to return to the last known place where the group were together and then wait there for at least 20 minutes. 2. Do not panic or wander around trying to find the group. If, after at least twenty minutes, you have not been found: 3. Go to the nearest western style hotel, or a shop where English is spoken. 4. Explain that you are lost and ask for help to get back to your own hotel by taxi. 5. Each student will be given a hotel card, on arrival, which they are to keep with them at all times. Show this card to those assisting you. 6. Explain that your teacher has arranged for your hotel to pay your taxi fare upon your arrival there. 7. If you are unsuccessful in all of the above, telephone our hotel from a public building, e.g. a bank or post office. Give the street name if you can. 8. Tell the receptionist where you are. 9. Ask that a taxi be sent to pick you up and wait there for the taxi to arrive. PACKINGɦ
Luggage and Laundryɦ Timor-Leste can be quite hot and humid in July. Clothing should be modest, light-weight, non-iron and fast drying. Each student must accept responsibility for her own laundry requirements. Shorts/cargo pants and collared T-shirts/t-shirts/long sleeved shirts are fine for most places on the trip. Pack some old clothes for painting in Becora and Comoro. Remember too, that you are responsible for carrying your own luggage in transit, so pack judiciously and try to travel light. Keep toiletries and cosmetics to a minimum. Complimentary soap, shampoo and towels will be replaced each day when staying in the hotel.
Page 9 | PLC Sydney East Timor Service Learning Trip 2019 Must Have - Packing List All student bags must weigh under 20kg. All students will then be required to carry extra resources for the trip which will be assigned by staff. 1 large soft bag or medium sized suitcase with locks 1 daypack/backpack with padlocks Money bag / passport belt and small purse or bum-bag for small amounts of cash 6 pairs shorts/cargo pants/long pants (must be knee length) 6 T-Shirts. NO singlet tops 1 Lightweight sweatshirt or jumper in case it is cool 1 Rain jacket / Poncho Underwear 1-2 Pairs of Old shoes 1 Pair of sandals or thongs for the shower Swimming costume Sunglasses Hat - Essential Torch Toiletries, wet wipes and tissues Basic first aid kit including anti-malarial medication, sunscreen (roll-on), insect repellent, hand sanitiser and sanitary requirements. Medication with scripts in a clear plastic ziplock bag Book Additional Items Medium sized paint brush Small hand held paint roller and paint tray 3 rags or an old towel Lesson materials Writing materials Gift pencil cases Health Issuesɦ Do not forget to bring along any regular medication you may require. Have sufficient quantities for the duration of the stay and keep it in your hand luggage. Please bring small quantities of any other forms of medication you wish to carry with you. All medication must be carried in the original packaging. You will need to bring a letter of explanation from your doctor, on appropriate letterhead, if you need to carry prescription drugs (including anti-malarial medication). ɦ ɦ ɦ ɦ ɦ ɦ ɦ ɦ
Page 10 | PLC Sydney East Timor Service Learning Trip 2019 Personal First Aid Kitɦ All personal first aid kit suggestions are for your consideration. You must decide what to bring with you. However if you know you are prone to travel sickness on buses/boats it is important that you bring along your own supply of medication to assist with this. ● Maxalon/Stemetil - for vomiting - (prescription required) - but check with your doctor ● Antibiotics (prescription required) ● Imodium or Lomotil for diarrhoea ● Gastrolyte/hydroplyte for dehydration ● Band Aids (cuts & scratches) & a crepe bandage (sprains, inflamed joints) ● Non- sedating antihistamine if prone to allergies (eg. Telfast, Claratyne) ● Wet Ones or similar, in a soft pack x 2 packets ● 2 x Tubes of sanitising hand gel ● Sunscreen protection factor 30+ ● Antiseptic wipes to clean scratches etc. ● Insect repellent. We suggest using one containing DEET (eg. RID Tropical Strength roll-on) but please discuss with your doctor ● Stingose - (gel) ● Steristrips ● Chapstick - for lips due to wind and sun ● Motion sickness tablets - for plane and coach journeys. Must have if you experience travel sickness and inform staff prior to the trip ● Items needed for personal hygiene ● PLC staff will also carry a standard first aid kit containing Panadol and Cold/Flu tablets. However, it is very important that all students pack their own personal first aid kit
Page 11 | PLC Sydney East Timor Service Learning Trip 2019 Flight Carry on Requirementsɦ ɦ
Page 12 | PLC Sydney East Timor Service Learning Trip 2019 CONTACT NUMBERSɦ
Please contact Miss Vanessa Romero in the first instance if you need to speak to a teacher about the trip before we go or you need to contact a teacher while your daughter is in Timor-Leste. Please contact Mrs Suellen White in the first instance if you require a contact person in Australia while your daughter is in Timor-Leste. If dialling international call ‘0011’ International code for Timor-Leste is +670 Name Number Mobile Email/ Address East Timor Contacts Australian +670 3322111 Mártires da Patria, Dili, Timor-Leste Embassy, Dili Esplanada Hotel Avenida da Portugal Beach Road Dili, (+670) 723 7110 Dili Timor Wschodni PLC Australia Contacts Vanessa Romero (prior 9704 5690 0450231074 [email protected] to the trip and on the trip) Suellen White (Head of 9704 5673 +61458497249 [email protected] International Studies) Contact in East Timor
Vanessa Romero +61450231074 [email protected]
Page 13 | PLC Sydney East Timor Service Learning Trip 2019
Page 14 | PLC Sydney East Timor Service Learning Trip 2019 Meta St Croydon NSW 2132 T (+612) 9704 5666 E [email protected] www.plc.nsw.edu.au Principal: Dr Paul Burgis PhD (UNSW) MEd DipTeach DipDivMiss