Timor-Leste is one of our closest neighbours, yet the country continues to grapple with severe challenges such as poverty, food insecurity and high rates of gender-based violence. Our team at Caritas Australia recently spoke with two dedicated staff members who work on the ground in our Timor-Leste office - Fernando Pires, Caritas Australia’s Country Representative in Timor-Leste and Domingos Aquino, Team Leader for Australian Humanitarian Partnership Disaster Ready Projects.
The conversation was deeply insightful, highlighting just how personal this work is to them. Both team members shared their motivation to work with Australian supporters to build a more resilient country in Timor-Leste.
Meet Fernando Pires: Leading with Purpose
For Fernando, the work is deeply personal. Born in Timor-Leste, he fled as a refugee in 1975. “I grew up in Melbourne and my family was very involved in Timor-Leste struggle for independence.” He shared.
Decades later, after Timor-Leste achieved independence, he felt called to return. “It’s a privilege to work with my fellow Timorese and be a part of the journey to rebuild our country,” Fernando said with a smile. Since 2015, he’s led an all-Timorese team, the first of its kind for Caritas Australia.
"Equal Opportunity for Peace and Dignity": Fernando’s Vision for Timor Leste
When asked what his hopes are for the future of Timor-Leste, Fernando highlighted the gravity of the work that still needs to be done for communities in Timor-Leste.
“My hope is for all of us to have equal opportunity to live in peace and dignity. That collectively, we can look after those of us who are most poor and vulnerable so that each of us can be the architect of our development.”
Meet Domingos Aquino Brandão: Guided by Faith and Love
Ongoing Challenges in Timor Leste
Children and families experience ongoing issues after decades of conflict, even after becoming independent in 2002. With the help of dedicated staff like Fernando and Aquino as well as generous support from Australians, progress has been made in tackling hunger in Timor Leste. However, poverty levels remain high and food security and gender-based violence remain ongoing issues.
“It is a privilege to accompany our partners and communities, as we work together to make positive changes in their lives.”
Announcing our Upcoming Programs in Timor-Leste
We are thrilled to announce our new programs in Timor-Leste that are made possible with the support of people like you and in partnership with the Australian government, through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP).
The Climate Action and Building Resilience in Timor Leste project.
This initiative aims to ensure communities are safe, harmonious, and resilient in the face of a changing climate.
Timor-Leste is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, with increasing evidence that climate vulnerability is compounding experiences of poverty, food insecurity and gender-based violence in agricultural communities, especially for women, young people and people with disability.
Build economic resilience, food security and income diversification.
Empower communities to drive restoration, conservation and climate mitigation efforts.
Address drivers of gender inequality and gender-based violence.
How You Can Help: Support the Work of Our Partners on the Ground
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