Seabees help students in Timor-Leste

DILI, Timor-Leste — Seabees from U.S. Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 40 and Falintil-Forca Defensa de Timor-Leste (F-FDTL) recently visited the Estrela Esperanca Foundation schoolhouse for a joint community relations project. During the visit, the Seabees and F-FDTL handed out book bags loaded with books, pencils, colored pencils and sharpeners.

Along with school supplies, the Seabees handed out toys, balls and jump ropes.

After they were done handing out all the goodies, the Seabees and F-FDTL began to play with the children. The fun began when the Seabees began jumping rope with several kids, then sidewalk chalk was distributed and everyone began drawing all kinds of animals and shapes. During the interaction, everyone began to exchange small talk with the children. To the Seabees’ surprise, the children could speak English well.

“It is inspiring that provided with few items, communities continue to use those resources to educate the future generations of Timor-Leste. I am glad we can make a difference,” said Steelworker Senior Chief Thomas J. Gruenes.

The founder of the school, Ana Maral, was an inspiration for everyone involved; she has provided a wonderful facility that allows the children to learn in a stimulating environment.

The Estrela Esperanca school provides education and food for 35 children from around the Dili area. Ana’s idea to start a school began when hungry children arrived at her door looking for food, which the families couldn’t provide. Ana realized quickly that the children not only needed food, they also need an education.

Equipment Operator 3rd Class Diton Parker said, “It felt good to help children who are less fortunate, and I can’t wait to help again soon.”

In their off time, the detail can be found doing many community relations events, but during normal working hours they are executing engineering civic assistance projects in coordination with the U.S. Embassy Office of Defense Cooperation and the Australian Defense Cooperation Program in order to mutually enhance the capabilities and interoperability of Seabees and Timor-Leste military forces.