Where We Work
Timor Leste
One of Australia’s closest geographical neighbours, Timor Leste was established in 2002 after gaining independence. Â
While progress has been made in improving living standards poverty levels remain high and food security and gender-based violence remain ongoing issues. The country is also susceptible to natural disasters and changing weather patterns, which is further increasing hunger levels.Â
The impact of your support in Timor Leste
Martina outside her home talking with her councillor from a women's refuge in Timor-Leste. Photo credit: Richard Wainwright/Caritas Australia.
Timor Leste
Population: 1.3 million
Nutrition classes being held at a Women's Savings and Loans group in Timor Leste. Photo: Tim Lam/Caritas Australia
Vulnerable community members have improved food security and are able to have three meals a day.
Martina in Timor-Leste. Photo credit: Richard Wainwright/Caritas Australia.
Women and people with disability are more resilient to disaster risks and climate change.
Nutrition classes being held at a Women's Savings and Loans group in Timor Leste. Photo: Tim Lam/Caritas Australia
Vulnerable households can access savings and loans groups and other businesses to generate income.
Our partner Caritas Maliana works to support this orphanage to maintain its farm and grow food sustainably. Photo: Tim Lam/Caritas Australia
Farmers can participate in Farmer Field Schools to expand their production of crops and increase income.
Martina standing in front of her home. Photo credit: Richard Wainwright/Caritas Australia.
Martina's story
For Martina, a mother of eight, escaping domestic violence was the first step in her journey to a new life. Gender-based violence is a critical issue for women in Timor-Leste, and domestic violence is the most reported crime to the National Vulnerable Persons Unit. Â
Uma PAS, the shelter where Martina sought refuge, is a partner in Caritas Australia’s Protection Program, a holistic community-wide program that offers women like Martina economic empowerment and a life of safety in a supportive community. Â
When she joined the Caritas Australia supported Protection Program, she received vital training in microfinance, finance management and saving money.Â
Today, Martina is an inspiration to her community, her children are thriving, and she is even running her own small business.Â
After I left Uma PAS (the women's shelter), I felt confident for my future. Uma PAS really helped me [to learn] how to be strong; how to change my life to support myself, and to have some money to support my children. Education is the most important thing to change my children’s lives.
You can help
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