By MARA PATTISON-SOWDEN
A UNIVERSITY project has developed into a passion to help East Timorese women who want to further their education.
Warburton resident Amy Stevenson is part of Matadalan Ba Malu, a volunteer group at RMIT University, which is committed to developing mutual learning opportunities between East Timorese and Australians.
Her group is holding a fundraising event at the Wild Thyme Café this Sunday, 12 May, to raise money for a program that brings East Timorese women to Australia to study English.
RMIT English Worldwide offers annual tuition-free placements on a 10-week English language course which also allows participants to explore and live in Melbourne.
Matadalan Ba Malu helps fundraise for additional costs that come with the placement such as flights, accommodation and food.
The money raised from this weekend’s event will go directly to supporting the 2014 participants.
The event will also coincide with farewells to this year’s participants, Vita and Noy.
Organisers say they are two very inspirational and driven women who are eager to support the development of their country.
“All those involved in the event, musicians, caterers, venue holder and sponsors, are giving at completely no cost to our organisation – a worthwhile thing to note in itself,” Ms Stevenson said.
She encouraged everyone to do two good deeds on Mother’s Day – “support the education of women from East Timor and shout your mum to a great day out”.
Full Fat and Taylor Project will perform between 1pm and 5pm this Sunday at Wild Thyme Café, 3391 Warburton Highway, Warburton.
Visitors can pay $50 for a two-course meal or a $10 donation for entry to enjoy the live entertainment.
For bookings call Amy on 0450 263 925 or Bronwyn on 0418 796 682.
