26-06-2008
MALACCA: Fifteen Timor Leste teenagers currently housed at the Banda Hilir Fatima Home held a cultural concert and buffet dinner to commemorate the country’s sixth independence anniversary recently.
About 120 guests attended the event at the Infant Jesus Primary Convent Hall including guests of honour Timor Leste ambassador Juvencio Martins and Portugal Counsel secretary Carla Belo.
The occasion saw Martins presenting hand-woven sashes and letters of appreciation to volunteers and local organisations for their service, support and generosity in making the teenagers' stay in Malacca a memorable one.
The teenagers were brought to Malacca last year with the help of the Malaysian army and police following their peace-keeping stint during the period of strife in Timor Leste.
They are orphans and require medical assistance, which is provided at Putra Specialist Hospital here on humanitarian grounds.
They were initially housed at two apartments in Ujong Pasir before being brought to Fatima Home.
They go for informal education through the efforts of volunteers and retired teachers.
In his address, Martins said the group represented Timor Leste’s future generation.
He thanked all individuals and groups who sacrificed their time for the welfare of the teenagers.
He said: “We will always remember with honour and pride the sacrifices of the individuals and groups in Malacca who volunteered their assistance in so many ways.”
The Timor Leste flag was raised while its national anthem was rendered in Portuguese prior to the concert where the children performed traditional song and dances.
Beside the performances, there were souvenirs from Timor Leste made by the teenagers on sale.
Guests were treated to a buffet and mingled freely for the rest of the evening.