Plan Timor Leste's Country Strategic Plan is dedicated to supporting poor and marginalised Timorese children, their families, and their communities.

 

Timor-Leste is the poorest country in Asia, with 40% of the population living below the national poverty line of US $0.55 per day. It gained independence in 2002 after hundreds of years of Portuguese colonial rule, followed by a period of Indonesian occupation. The impact of centuries of under-development, neglect and oppression is profound. 

 

The country’s progress was further hampered by the civil unrest of April and May 2006, which led to the displacement of over 100,000 people. Child development indicators - including infant mortality, malnutrition, access to schools and continued attendance - are low. 

 

 

• Education: learning for transformation: Children will participate fully in society through the acquisition of appropriate development, education and life skills.
• Water and environmental sanitation: Children and their families will experience better healthcare,  safe water and sanitation facilities and improved awareness of hygiene practices.
• Child protection: Children will live in communities that recognise their rights and protect them from human rights abuses.
• Youth in society: Young people will participate in their own development and act as catalysts for change and key players in Timorese society.
• Youth livelihoods: Young people will have access to adequate income through training, employment and self-employment opportunities.
• Disaster recovery: Children and their communities will be supported to achieve a sustainable, peaceful recovery from crises, and to prevent future disasters.

 

Plan Timor-Leste’s mobile libraries project was hugely popular amongst children in displaced people’s camps following the 2006 crisis. It has now expanded into Aileu district and continues to make reading enjoyable for children and emphasise the importance of literacy to their parents.

 

Supported by Plan Timor-Leste, youth bands from Lautem and Aileu districts have recorded their own CDs to much critical acclaim. This encourages youth to be creative, raises their self-esteem and also generates income for them. The Lautem CD, entitled Ne’e Hau Nia Moris! (‘It’s my Life!’) is available via the Plan Australia website. Watch their music videos on YouTube.