The Ballarat Grammar School Project at Garton Cottage (Uma Garton) was recently completed at Klibur Domin. It is thanks to the school’s generous donation that the facilities have been greatly improved.

This project was to add an annexe at the back of Uma Garton, a water tank for drinking water and a fence around the vegetable garden. This has resulted in better washing facilities for students living at Uma Garton. They can now also regularly water the small vegetable garden at the back of the cottage, protected from goats and other animals by the fence. The space is now pleasant and more private for students to sit in the afternoon or evening.

Uma Garton currently supports nine students attending the Franciscan High School close to Klibur Domin. The students are from 15 to 25 years of age, and have a range of disabilities, including amputations, cerebral palsy and partial blindness.

Two young women who were residents at Uma Garton last year have commenced university in Dili, which is a wonderful achievement. This project will benefit students residing at Uma Garton for their secondary schooling for many years to come.

John Kirby