The six-person Friends of Vermasse committee has raised about $8800 to support 24 unpaid teachers at a newly established secondary school in the village of Vermasse and at a pre-secondary school nearby.

Four members, including Beatrice Head and Allan Clousen, visited the village in June to deliver money and educational equipment, including books.

The school also needs sports equipment and musical instruments.

Ms Head, of Wheelers Hill, said the committee's spending priorities were guided by the villagers who created the secondary school. She said there was a reasonable education system, "though by no means do all children go to primary school".

"The villagers are clearly very dedicated and committed. The atmosphere of the schools was very good."

However, villagers were resentful that few riches had been siphoned from the nation's Timor Gap oil money.

"They've spent very little of it so far [in Vermasse]," Ms Head said. "They're building a big hospital to international standards in Baccau [the nearest city to Vermasse] so that they don't have to spend money on sending emergency patients to Darwin.

"But they lack the local hospitals throughout the country. Spending has largely taken place in Dili."

Drought has decimated the country's rice supply. Apart from fruits such as mango, guava and papaya, the locals live mostly off bland root vegetables.

Ms Head's group is lobbying for recognition and support from Monash Council.

She said other councils had helped train Timorese in administrative affairs or offered internships.

To join the group, call 9885 6083.