Michael O’Connell with a local Timorese man installing solar panels on a community centre at Baguia. 73063 Picture: Supplied
By Laura Wakely
MICHAEL O’Connell has been lighting up life for people in East Timor.
The St Albans resident has recently returned from his fifth stint in the country helping to install solar panels to provide lighting and electricity to remote villages.
Michael is a team leader with the Alternative Technology Association’s (ATA) International Projects Group, a not-for-profit organisation that promotes and fund renewable energy projects.
One of ATA’s members, returning from a trip to East Timor, came up with the idea of helping restore lighting and power to the recovering nation.
On the most recent trip, the ATA volunteers installed solar panels for lighting and power in community centres and schools in Baguia, Same, Ainaro, and Ermera, including a large solar system to power a community centre with an office, 17 laptop computers, sewing machines and musical instruments.
They also trained a number of locals to install solar panels in homes so that, by the end of March next year, these Timorese will have installed solar-powered lighting in more than 700 houses in rural areas where there is no electricity.
Michael said some East Timorese were still relying on candles or kerosene lamps for lighting, but the ATA has been able to take over a small system that has been able to light up each home for around $2 a month.
The money goes towards training locals in installation and maintenance.
“We wanted to go there for the long haul and commit,” Michael said.
“We also wanted to make sure we trained people… (and) effectively put ourselves out of work.”
But the rewards haven’t just been for the locals.
“It’s really easy to get to a point (with work) where it’s Groundhog Day, you feel like you’re a cog in the machine,” he said.
“But when you get over there, you can see immediately the impact.
“The people over there have got nothing, but they’re so warm and friendly. It’s an awesome experience.”
The ATA is always on the lookout for donors and volunteers to help with projects to work in Australia and overseas.
For more information visit www.ata.org.au
