Students who attend the Fuan Nabilan Education Centre for blind children and adults in Same, Manufahi, Timor Leste have now recorded 2 CDs!

The 11 original songs on CD 1 are in Tetun, and are accompanied by acoustic guitars and traditional drums. The songs on the newly released 2nd CD are also in Tetum, except for one song which is in Mumbai. All songs were composed by Joaquim da Costa Tavares (nickname Quim TV) a volunteer worker at the Centre, who also performs on some songs

In 2005, Fuan Nabilan staff with support from Friends of Same, www.friendsofsame.org accompanied the Australian ProVision Eye Care Team to Same (a partner community with the City of Boroondara under the Australia/Timor Leste Friendship Program). Subsequently, Fuan Nabilan was invited by the District Administrator of Manufahi to establish a learning centre for blind people in Same. Supported by Friends of Same, Love Life and Health, ATA, Boroondara Lions, the Alola Foundation and private donors, a house near Same Hospital was refurbished to become the Fuan Nabilan Education Centre. Fuan Nabilan is the only education facility for blind people in Manufahi, but funding is limited, so any support is welcome.

CD 1 was produced by Timor production company Lian Original (Original Tone), supported under Plan-International’s Youth Participation Program

CD 2 was produced by Alo Pereira, Dili.
Both CDs were produced with generous support from Vicki Standish

For orders, or more information about Fuan Nabilan please contact:

  • Esther Anderson anderso@bigpond.net.au
    0439 555 291 or 03 98304260 or
  • Trish Woodcroft Lee cpwl@bigpond.net.au
    040780777 or 03 9481 4232
  • In Timor, contact Joana Meluk, Director of Fuan Nabilan, on +670 7280035

$15.00 (or $10.50 for purchases of more than 5 CDs). All profits go to Fuan Nabilan in Same, East Timor/Timor Leste. Postage and packaging $2.60. Please make cheques payable to Friends of Same Inc. Bank transfer also available. Contact John Lagzdins, Treasurer, Friends of Same email: lagzdins@melbpc.org.au