Ian Laidlaw

Having been a Hairdresser and serving on National industry boards, Aust Hair  Superannuation Trustee and local chamber of commerce in the past I didn’t ever think that my chosen skill would lead me to the remote areas of Timor Leste .

What started as a conversation about what sort of vehicle I would choose for driving conditions in rugged mountains in Timor Leste with one of our more interesting clients (Tamara Sloper-Harding ) I later found myself with an email asking to join this group to share my skills with the villiagers of Soibada. . This was completely out of the blue and I must say at last I felt that my trade could be really useful to help others.

Having travelled with PFOS since 2011 every year my role has changed and developed.  Initially, my task was to give hairdressing training to Soibada locals to enable them to start their own small businesses as hairdressers.  Now my role has expanded into one of co-ordinating volunteers, supporting Tamara in my role as vice president, supporting many volunteers in their projects and driving on the somewhat challenging roads.  I've seen my role evolve  into something that means a difference to the amazing people of Timor Leste and indeed my own self worth.

Having the opportunity to work alongside so many varied and skilled volunteers has been the most amazing experience. The people of Timor Leste and especially the villagers of Soibada are very humble and appreciative with an incredible sense of poise and sophistication that humbles me every visit .

So I guess my message to anyone is that maybe you don’t know what you have to offer until you see for yourself how little these beautiful people have and what a major difference we can make to their life through empowering them with the hidden talents we all possess and take for granted .   

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