"I am an Electronics Engineer, Project Manager and Qualified Trainer with over 25 years experience in the Telecommunications, IT, Construction and Renewable Energy industries. I am passionate about helping the people in East Timor and i'm taking unpaid leave to volunteer again this year leading a team to install solar power systems in a number of remote communities across Timor Leste.
I think the important thing for me is being able to help some of the poorest people in one of the poorest countries in the world to gain a little of what we take for granted. The look in peoples eyes and the enormous grins on their faces when they first switch on a light in their home is simply wondrous. I have been very lucky to be born and raised in a wealthy country like Australia. To be able to help those less fortunate, while doing something I love is brilliant!
Not only do we install solar power systems but we train local people in how to maintain and repair the systems as well. We have installed systems in community centres, schools, medical centres, local administration centres, micro businesses, chapels and more.
But more than that, we have provided people with a chance for a better life, kids can study at night, parents can run small businesses in the evenings to provide some income, people can get together in the evenings for social events. These have enormous flow on benefits in the community and throughout the country.
Together, we have helped make a difference to thousands of people in hundreds of locations throughout the country and we hope, with the help of our supporters, to continue making a difference again this year with these new projects. " Michael O'Connell.




East Timor is one of the poorest countries in our region. At present, only 20 per cent of the population have access to mains electricity, and communities in remote areas are not expected to have mains for at least another 15 years. These remote communities are often small, dispersed and financially poor so a lack of electricity affects the health and wellbeing of many.

Since 2003 the Alternative Technology Association (ATA) have been sending volunteers throughout East Timor to install small, inexpensive solar power systems that provide lighting for thousands of households, community centres, orphanages, schools and hospitals in remote rural villages.

ATA volunteers are skilled professionalswho give their time and expertise to design, install and provide training on renewable energy systems. We have a strong focus on training Timorese people to install and manage their own solar power and lighting. We work in partnership with community groups in Australia and East Timor.
For more information on ATA's work in East Timor go to www.ata.org.au/ipg

In late July 2013, four ATA volunteers will be travelling to East Timor to carry out a number of projects including:
· Installation of 180small household lighting system on houses in the Remexio sub-district in partnership with the Kangaroo Valley and Remexio Partnership (KVRP) (www.kvrp.org.au)
· Installation of a solar system on theHatolia Pre-Secondary School which is being donated by Baeconhills College in Victoria.
· Repair of a solar system for light and power on a weaving centre in Fuat which is home for a sustainable weaving collective.
· Installation of a solar system ona school inschool in Luana which is being donated by the Kalamunda Leavers Timor-Leste (KLTL) in Western Australia.
Installation of solar systems on community buildings in Atauro and Baguia in partnership with Timor Adventure Tours.


Help pay for Michael's travel costs to East Timor.