Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Jackie visited the Southeast-Asian country of Timor-Leste this week, acting as UNICEF's Goodwill Ambassador. He met with young people on a mission to promote peace and to gather information about the plight of the Timorese youth. Timor-Leste has a large number of youths who are involved in martial arts gangs and Jackie met with them in an attempt to guide them to more peaceful and productive behavior.
On Tuesday, June 24th, he visited a Youth Center in Comorro where he visited classrooms, spoke with the youngsters, and played basketball, volleyball, and soccer. He encouraged them to continue their studies, reminding them that education was the key to a bright future. Jackie then met with United Nations Special Representative for Timor-Leste Atul Khare and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao. In the evening he attended a reception with United Nations donors and government partners at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
On June 25th, Jackie traveled by helicopter to the mountain district of Ainaro to meet with martial arts groups and youth leaders. In a passionate and heartfelt speech, Jackie shared the story of his own life, reminding the young people that he was very poor when he was young; telling them that with hard work and a "never-give-up" attitude, they too could lead happy and successful lives. He visited the home of one young member of a martial arts group, and attended a small reception at the Office of the District Administrator to sample the local coffee.
After returning to Timor-Leste's capital city Dili, Jackie visited School Aidak Bihare in Camea Village. He visited the classrooms, where the children read to him and sang a song. Afterwards, Jackie joined the students on the playground for some jumprope and a quick game of volleyball. After stopping to watch a football game in Becora, where he met with team members, he traveled to the Dili Stadium where he and the Prime Minister watched martial arts demonstrations and a traditional Chinese Dragon Dance. Jackie then participated in a "unifying exercise" during which he led over 3,500 martial arts group members in a series of powerful thrusts, kicks, and punches. He spoke to the audience of 5,000 people, encouraging the youngsters to embrace peace and to stay away from violence. He shared lessons he'd learned in his own life and encouraged the youth to work hard and never give up on their dreams.
In the evening, Jackie attended a dinner-reception at the home of President Ramos-Horta. Before leaving Timor-Leste, Jackie recorded several public service announcements aimed at local youth.