A conversation with a professor at the University of Melbourne about trachoma has led to a special ongoing relationship between the Rotary Club of Taree and the Indigenous community of Ali Curung and the Alekarenge School in the Northern Territory.
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Professor for Indigenous Eye Health, Hugh Taylor told Rotary Club of Taree member, Ian Dyball ,"keep the children's faces clean for one year and there will be no more trachoma," sparking Ian to implement a program of putting together hygiene toiletry kits, an initiative that has been adopted nationally by Rotary.
Taree Rotary was partnered with the Alekarenge School on Warumungu/Warlpiri Country, two hours' drive from Tennant Creek, and 378 kilometres north of Alice Springs.
The club prepared 200 toiletry kits, and in May 2021 Ian, along with Taree Rotary president, David Denning travelled to the remote community to deliver the kits, along with blankets, rugs, pillows and nappies.
Ali Curung is a tiny community with a population varying from 500 to 1000, with 143 students enrolled at the school.
Ian says the conditions at the school were shocking.
"The physical facilities with the classrooms and playground are atrocious - no words or pictures can adequately describe the situation. Rooms are cordoned off or locked as unsafe, active classrooms have floors about to collapse, the art room and the library have been taken away and there are no science facilities. There is minimal outdoor shelter and the playground soft-fall is nonexistent or as hard as rock.
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"Despite those conditions, the dedication, commitment and enthusiasm of all staff to work for the best outcomes for the students shone through."
While at Ali Curung Ian and David spoke with Elders and school principle, Colin Kiel about how they could work with the community to help improve conditions.
"There was a very open and frank dialogue on a whole range of issues," Ian said.
A wish list was prepared, and as a result the club sent 30 boxes of warm clothes to the school on Tuesday, July 27.
Along with the boxes of clothes, Rotary members also donated three boxes of goods to be delivered to Murray Downs School, 35kms from Alekarenge School, and with only 22 students. Colin Kiel had put Rotary in touch with the new principal of Murray Downs School who has implemented a Positive Behaviour Support program and requested prizes for students who demonstrate school values. Rotary members donated art materials, books, games, toys and coloured pencils to be used as prizes.
Ian is passionate about the relationships established through the project.
"This latest initiative of mine would have to be one of the most exciting and beneficial community projects I have undertaken in more than 45 years a Rotarian. And working for better outcomes for our Indigenous youngsters," he said.
Colin Kiel is hoping to visit family in Grafton at the end of September, and if COVID restrictions allow, is keen to come to Taree to personally thank the members of the Rotary Club of Taree.
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