Timor-Leste
Villagers near Dare in hills above Dili. Photo: Penny Tweedie/OxfamAUS
We've been working to create a better life for the East Timorese people for more than 30 years. But the country’s extended fight for independence and its new, fragile democracy has left Asia’s poorest country facing many challenges.
Oxfam is supporting this new nation reach security and sustainability by working closely with the government, local organisations and communities.
Improving essential services
A doctor when you need one, clean water to drink and enough food to eat. It's not much to ask but thousands of East Timorese are going without these basics every day. Infant and under-five mortality rates are high and preventable illnesses like malaria and diarrhoea are rife.
Along with the government and local partners we’re working to train volunteer health workers and provide mobile health clinics that travel to remote communities.
We're also working with local communities to repair water systems in Oecusse and Covalima districts and to provide clean water, sanitation and health education for people in the remaining camps for internally displaced people in Dili.
Supporting sustainable farming
Most rural families rely on subsistence farming. While rice and maize are their staples, there isn't enough produced to meet the population's needs.
We're working with local farmers to create sustainable farming methods that will increase production and sustain the land. And we're helping people to plant kitchen and market gardens to grow food for their families and trade at local markets.
We also support fishermen with training in microfinance, allowing them to purchase better nets and equipment.
Oxfam supporting fishermen at Suai Loro with nets and equipment. Photo: Penny Tweedie/OxfamAUS
Building peace in partnership
After the 2006 East Timorese crisis we worked with the Timor-Leste Government, the UN and other agencies to support over 30,000 people displaced across Dili. We responded by ensuring that people in temporary camps had access to clean water and sanitation. We also worked to ensure people’s safe return home.
We're also working with local grassroots organisations and supporting initiatives to create a peaceful society free from poverty, discrimination and violence.
Disaster preparedness
Oxfam is working with the government, international NGOs, the UN, and community leaders to implement the Timorese Disaster Management Policy. Climate change and existing environmental issues, mean that disaster preparedness is a major priority in Timor-Leste. Improving food storage, food security and sustainable farming methods, are all ways in which Oxfam is addressing disaster preparedness. Oxfam works with local communities to increase their ability to cope with disasters via information workshops, appropriate technology and community action planning.
Empowering women
History was made in 2005 when 90 women became the first women to be elected to their village councils in Covalima district. Before new electoral laws were passed in 2003, village leadership positions were reserved exclusively for men.
To encourage women to stand as candidates we're supporting leadership workshops run by local Timorese partners.
Fast facts
- Population living below poverty line:
- 42% (2003 est.)
- Life expectancy at birth:
- 66.6 years (total population)
- Infant mortality rate:
- 44.46 deaths/1,000 live births
- Adult illiteracy rate (% aged 15 and older):
- 58.6%
Source: CIA World Factbook
