Beginning 2009 - Almost Three years!

The First group to arrive for 2009 were Leesha, Wilfred, Isadore and Mark. 

Noreen, Josetta, Selena and Bonita arrived the next week, they were late because Nguiu has recently had so many funerals -  and kids must be present for funerals of close relatives.

Wilfred had missed 2008, but wanted to resume his education. It is the first time at Downlands for Leesha, Mark, Selena and Bonita.

So we have four new kids and four returning.  There were four other kids very keen to come, but we could not manage at this stage - when we build the kitty we can consider bringing more.

Fares have averaged $698 per kid per term and Clothing has been $190 per term.   

We are currently inviting people to provide $100 each to cover the expenses- this is a fully tax deductiable StVdeP donation. 

We need to recruit 40 people for each kid. If you can help, please do so - the donation website is below.

However, if this is not your time and you are free to be a Prayer Supporter, let us know and we will keep you informed on the kids are going!

Progressively we will add photos of the parents, because they are the ones who we are helping, StVdeP is involved because the parents requested help. 

Gilbert and Melissa have sent their boy Mark to Downlands.

Gilbert works in Health Promotion at Nguiu, and Melissa looks after the family. They want Mark to be in a secure place that offers a good education. Mark is an exceptional guy and very athletic. Already the Toowoomba AFL have recruited him to train in the squad.

Ivan and Deloris Fernando have sent their son Isadore to Downlands. Ivan works for the Employment agency at Nguiu, preparing young people for work

It would be impossible Tiwi parents to have their kids at a school like Downlands without this collaboration and your help. 

Downlands wis the ideal place. It was established by MSC priests in 1935 as a source of recruits for their Mission to Tiwi - among other tribal groups. The MSC become involved with the Tiwi in 1911.  Downlands is doing a great job with the Tiwi kids, the interest in Tiwi is deeply inbedded 

If you are free to help fund this project, go to Vinnie's website:https://www.vinnies.org.au/show_appeal.cfm?table=appeals&parentid=0&id=43