Sabah Education Support Project
Sabah Education Support Project (RAWCS Project ID 53-2022-23)
Aims
The project aims to build on an existing initiative by Sabah Hostel Support Group in Gungahlin to assist 8 Youth Hostel facilities caring for approx. 350 students in Sabah (remote, poor region in East Malaysia) to ensure they have access to education by providing accommodation, educational supplies and other necessary provisions. This project supports students in primary and high school and aids them to access tertiary education.
The project will:
– Provide food, clothing, toiletries and other living requirements
– Providing educational support materials such as study books, computers, internet access, stationery, school bags etc
– Support some students who continue to tertiary education
This will increase the opportunities available for youth from remote communities.
Budget
The annual budget for the proposed 3-year initial term of the project was initially $ 14,887 pa for 2022-2023 but was approved by the Board to rise to $5000 pa for 2023/2024 and 2024/2025. All such funds have already been disbursed. As per RCG methodology, the budget for each year has to be submitted by the Director, then approved (or not) by the Board of RCG.
At present
- About 1/3 ie $5000 pa will be contributed by RCG annually
- Balance to be fundraised by the select committee on the Sabah project, plus contributions from individuals and companies.
Sabah Project – Project Activities to date
The following activities were implemented:
- Over the year 2024-2025, a series of 4 quarterly payments were made via RAWCS to this project. $A 3722 per quarter thereby successfully meeting our budget for the project of $A 14, 890 annually.
- Fundraiser Aug 10, 2024– Africa meets Asia Dinner and Dance. The fundraiser raised approximately $1800.
- A District Grant request to support additional cooking and bedding equipment and supplies for the Sabah project was submitted in May 2025 for $4000 of which $800 would be contributed by RCG and $3200 by the District. This is pending approval from the District which will be known circa August 2025.
- Assistance for moving a container full of bedding, education materials and toys to Kota Kinabalu. The ~ 18 cubic metre container was funded by the local Canberra NGO. Whilst this initiative was led by a sister-organisation based in Canberra, members of RCG did assist with the assembly and packing of this container which was successfully shipped and distributed amongst 8 hostels along the eastern interior of Sabah (circa Feb 2024.)
- Assistance for moving a container full of bedding, education materials and toys to Kota Kinabalu. The ~ 18 cubic metre container was funded by the local Canberra NGO. Whilst this initiative was led by a sister-organisation based in Canberra, members of RCG did assist with the assembly and packing of this container which was successfully shipped and distributed amongst 8 hostels along the eastern interior of Sabah (circa Feb 2024.)
Photos of the hostel kids
Prepared by Lawrence De Costa, Manager
Timor Leste projects
RAWCS Project 21-2016-17: Play and Learn – Early Childhood Development Program – Timor Leste – Support to FOKUPERS NGO
Play and Learn, Early Childhood Education and Development program was supported and funded for 6 years, extended timeframe due to COVID19 obstacles. Positive long-term changes resulting from this program led to two significant outcomes:
- Minister of Education, TL, has established this approach in some Suco’s. This is evident in Beto Madohi, Dili, one of P&L locations, which is now called Escola ba Uma. Fokupers continue to introduce the importance of this approach at government level and with other partner services.
- Fokupers have produced a “Play and Learn, Teacher’s guide” as a resource for teachers and a “Play and Learn, Parents Information Guide” as a resource for parents and community. These resource books have been produced based on P&L approach, Child Care development theories and Education principals which come from Fokupers Child Care Center (Creche) Curriculum.
Hospital provisions to Horex (Hospital Regional Eduardo Ximenes), Baucau, Timor-Leste.
The Project successfully sourced, coordinated, and delivered essential equipment and supplies to Horex Hospital in Baucau, Timor-Leste. The hospital received:
- High-quality beds and mattresses that enhance patient comfort and provide critical therapeutic support. The mattresses are designed for easier cleaning and disinfecting, greatly reducing the risk of cross-infection. This allows hospital staff to implement more effective infection control measures, contributing to faster recovery and improved patient outcomes.
- New children’s beds, which offer both hygiene and nurturing benefits. These beds also help create a brighter, more comforting, and child-friendly environment—essential for the emotional and physical well-being of young patients.
- Wheelchairs (for adults and children), walkers, and other mobility aids, which are vital for individuals living with disabilities, recovering from injuries, or dealing with age-related mobility challenges. These items support greater independence and improve quality of life for users.
Thanks to this initiative, patients, hospital staff, and the broader Baucau community have all benefited. The new equipment has significantly enhanced patient care, comfort, and support services.
This project was made possible through the collaboration of Rotary Clubs Gungahlin, Aurora Gungahlin, Hall, Belconnen, Dili, and the Rotary Donations in Kind program.
Healthy Hearts restoration of the community centre
The Association of Healthy Heart Timor-Leste (AFSTL) is a non-governmental organization that provides learning and training opportunities for youth, focusing on language and literacy development. It also raises awareness about the dangers of smoking, alcohol, drug use, and sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV/AIDS.
AFSTL concentrates its efforts on school dropouts and young people who have missed out on formal education.
The AFSTL centre in Dili was in urgent need of repairs to create a more welcoming, comfortable, and functional space for its students. With funding support from Rotary Club Gungahlin and Canberra Friends of Dili, the centre was repaired and repainted. A refreshed and inviting environment plays a key role in encouraging student attendance and active participation.
Prepared by Gordana Morphett, P&L Manager
General Support for international areas in Rotary
Our club continues to contribute to other areas which have International focus. The draft annual budget for International are as follows:
2023-2024 Budget provided at beginning of financial year
Annual Fund $2,000.00
Polio Plus $2,000.00
ROMAC $400.00
DIK $1,000.00
RAM $300.00
Sabah Child Education Support Program $5,000.00
Baucau Hospital $1,000.00
2025-2026 forward budget
Annual Fund $4,000.00
Polio Plus $4,000.00
ROMAC $400.00
DIK $1,000.00 – Provision of shipping charges to be disbursed as needed for freight to International avenue of service areas (East Timor primarily)
RAM $300.00
Sabah Child Education Support Program $5,000.00 (This is the agreed annual contribution by RCG to Sabah Project, to be approved by the Board annually)
Baucau Hospital $1,000.00 – Provision of shipping charges specifically to transport additional mattresses (20 off) and disability aids (as available in DIK)
Aspirations
There has also been a concerted drive to increase the number of Paul Harris Foundation (PHF) and Centurion accreditations in RCG and to date, that is bearing fruit.
It is our hope that almost ALL members will have achieved at least Centurion level if not PHF’s.
Lastly, there is considerable interest within the club in International, with the talks about different NGO’s overseas (eg Nusa Tenggara Association), attendance at other fundraisers to do with international, participation in District, Area and International conferences which showcase International projects such as ShelterBox, Polio etc. Going forward, we hope to increase our interest and support in needy causes outside of our lucky country, always balancing our commitments across the Areas of Service. One such example is toasting another club from another country which was suggested by PE Judy and which we will hope to introduce.