4. Five Tiwi kids commence at Downlands in 2007

We have five kids commencing at Downlands today - three girls and two boys. One of last year's girls did not come back, she was seventeen years old, had major hearing difficulties and the Tiwi thought it better to give the position to a younger capable kid.

The kids are all wearing the shirts given by Greater Brisbane Junior Tennis, where they are welcomed at UQ when back in Brisbane for long weekends.

We have difficulties because the school expect adequate academic and medical resumes for all new intake, but such is not available for Tiwi. Unfortunately the reality of poverty is that the support systems, across the board, are not adequate.

There is always a major education focus for all involved when remote traditional aborigines meet non-aborigines.

Last year we commenced with two kids, now we have five. The fares to bring the kids down cost $1,200 and outfitting them with clothes will cost a further $1,500. This project is only possible because of the generosity of you who have supported the Society of St Vincent de Paul so this sponsor this project.

If you would like to help us, go to https://www.vinnies.org.au/show_appeal.cfm?table=appeals&parentid=0&id=43