East Timor - programs & priorities

ChildFund Australia's affiliate organisation in Timor Leste began working in the country in 1990 and currently assists over 200,000 children and their family members.

In 15 project locations in eight districts, ChildFund in Timor Leste has assisted communities in organising Children's Activities Centres. The Centres serve as a focal point for critical Early Childhood Development activities for children from birth to five years, as well as places for parents and caregivers to be educated about the needs of young children in conflict situations and basic child health issues.

ChildFund in Timor Leste continues to work to restore community infrastructure and is helping construct and repair drinking water systems, wells and sanitation systems that were destroyed following the vote for independence. Families are given agricultural seeds, tools and equipment for vegetable cultivation and production. A new malaria prevention and control program is now underway in Timor Leste.

With UNHCR support, ChildFund in Timor Leste provided shelter kits to rebuild 2,500 homes in rural areas of the country.

Development in progress

Since 1999, ChildFund in Timor Leste has been operating Child Centered Spaces within the Dili. In more recent times, these spaces have been located within the internally displaced persons (IDP) camps where people are housed.

In these spaces, children are able to play, engage in non-formal learning and participate in normal childhood activities. They also give children the chance to heal from the emotional wounds of the violence they experienced.

At each space, ChildFund in Timor Leste provides recreational kits, including art supplies, from UNICEF to each child. Staff at the centres also monitor the health and hygiene of children, and allow family members to leave their children supervised while they look for work and rebuild their homes and businesses.