Living in the new world

Bonita is in her first year at Downlands. It is dreadfully strange, but it is an opportunity she wants to accept.

It is hard for us to understand cultural disintegration. We assume that opportunity for happiness is equally distributed in Australia. But we know it is not.

Lonita wanted the best for her daughter Bonita and Bonita is a good kid who is trying hard. At this stage Mum can't help much but in desperation she wanted Bonita to come south. And Bonita is doing her absolute best - because it is her chance in life. 

The photos are of mother and daughter three years apart. I was with Bonita today and she is giving her best - but it is not easy at the begining, but the dividends come when you try.

Downlands is a wonderful place. Everyone tries hard.  The photo is of the kids at the College Swimming Sports, all decked out in school uniform and trying to be in the swim.

We are posting out letters this week. We need to recruit 320 people who will give us $100 each - fully tax deductible, because it is a StVdeP gift.  Each kid needs 40 sponsors to fund their education in 2009. Detrick Bonhoeffer  once said, that a country shows its quality in the way it cares for its young. Australians feel deeply that for most remote aborigines, they are born with two strikes against their name, in direct channel between the cradle and despair!                                       

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