OEL-MAMBAI (TOP) - The three-month national emergency period in Timor-Leste is to prevent local transmission of the corona virus (Covid-19), but poses a threat of famine to small communities.
The Yass Gunning Belun of Canberra, Australia has helped 96 families in the Sifin sub-village, Usi-Tasae, Oe-Kusi Ambeno. The assistance that provided to them is in the form of basic needs such as 150 bags of rice and cooking oil.
José da Costa from Yass Gunning Belun said that after receiving contact from the CIJ sister in the Oel-Mambai parish, he also directly made contact with Catholic priests through Yass Gunning Belun to help 150 bags of rice and cooking oil to leprosy and TB patients.
"Our assistance comes from our friendship from Australia named Yass Gunning Belun, Canberra, Australia. This assistance is very small, not great but we want to help our friends who are ill with leprosy and TB which are very difficult to find money and food during this national emergency, "José da Costa told The Oe-Kusi Post in Sifin, the Usi tribe -Tasa'e, Oe-Kusi Ambeno Saturday, June 6, 2020.
"Our assistance is not great but we hope that our government can help them again".
Da Costa, who comes from the Lifau village, realized that for three months it was very difficult for those who had leprosy and TB to find food.
He also not only helped these patients but also helped the sisters in Oel-Mambai and Dominic.
"I am grateful to the President of the Authority for the Administrative Special Region of Oe-Kusi Ambeno who facilitated me to transport this rice from Dili to Oe-Kusi Ambeno".
Sister Maria Evarista from the CIJ congregation and the Santo Nino de Prague organization that her mission in the Oel-Mambai parish has been nearly two years and is very dear to leprosy and TB patients.
"I have asked for help in Leprosy Mission and Caritas Australia but there is also no food. And I ask Yass Gunning Belun to finally get a good answer. I am very grateful for this help.
The Usi-Tasae are still registered with high leprosy in Oe-Kusi Ambeno. This tribe still has 43 people affected by leprosy and 53 affected by TB.
After distribution of basic needs, Usi-Tasae village chief Tomas Ulan Colo expressed his gratitude for the assistance of Yass Gunning Belun.
"I thank you for your kindness to help my people in this difficult situation."
