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REPORT
CONCERNING THE IMPLEMENTATION
OF THE FRANCISCAN PROJECT
TO HELP THE EAST TIMOR REFUGEES
First of all, in the name of the Refugees and people of East Timor, I express our great and deep gratitude to all Brothers who promptly responded Peter Aman’s call via e-mail to help the refugees and people of East Timor. He is the JPIC Coordinator of the Province of St. Michael in Indonesia. Since he is still among the refugees in Atambua (West Timor), I take this opportunity to write personally to give you a provisional report on how all your generous donation have been spent.
- On the way to Kupang — Dili — Atambua, Minister Provincial accompanied by fr. Peter Aman, Coordinator of JPIC of the Province, handed over to Bishop Belo (Dili) USD 10.000 for the benefit of his people, Rp 25.000.000,00 (USD 7.000) to the Bishop of Atambua and Rp 25.000.000,00 to the Bishop of Kupang. Cash donations were given to the Bishops because the respective diocese coordinates almost all activities helping the refugees.
Between Nov. 17 to Dec. 17 Rp 15.000.000,00 (more or less USD 2.000,00) has been sent to Brother Marianus OFM and Dr. Sherly for medicine, transportation and housing. They assist the refugees around Atambua in coordination with the Diocese of Atambua, especially in health services. Everyday they help about 100 patients, most of who suffer from malaria, intestinal troubles, and TBC. They visit different camps everyday to give medical attention.
After the latest evaluation made by the Min. Provincial, Peter Aman, Marianus and Sherly they decided to continue their presence in the midst of the refugees. It’s estimated that there are around 140.000 refugees. Children will be the focus of the next phase of the work. After consultation with the Diocese it was decided to erect five tents in order to respond to the educational needs of the children. Instructions will be given to them in reading, writing, arithmetic, mathematics, religions etc. This program will last about two months. The children’s nutritional needs will improve. Two postulants will join the project for this program plus four local tutors and four local persons who will work in the kitchen. It’s estimated that this project will cost around Rp 50.000.000,00 (USD 7.000,00).
The Min. Provincial and Peter Aman, visited Dili and Wekiar in East Timor. Almost everywhere they saw incredible destruction and total demolition. Almost all buildings were burnt out offices, schools, polyclinics, shops, several monasteries, the office and the residence of Bishop Belo, etc. One of these buildings is the Secondary School of St. Francis run by our Friars and Franciscan Sisters. We are thinking about rebuilding this school.
Happily we can inform you we met all our Friars and they are all well, and in good condition. They told us so many interesting and impressive stories: how they finally decided to flee to the nearby forest during the most critical moment, together with the people/faithful. Their fidelity to stay with the faithful is fully and highly appreciated and praised by Bishop Belo. He asks them to stay with the people and work for them, which is heartily accepted by our Brothers and Sisters.
How the rest of the money will be spent, will be reported in my next letter.
Yours fraternally
Aloysius Murwito OFM
Minister Provincial.
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