East Timor (or Timor Leste) is one of Australia’s nearest neighbours but the day to day realities of its people could not be more distant from our own.  For many, everyday is a battle for survival as the country struggles to rebuild itself in the wake of the war for independence.

For nearly a decade UnitingWorld has worked with FUSONA, the community development arm of the Protestant Church in East Timor to develop programs to transform local communities. The Livelihood project is one program to have been developed through this partnership. The project provides income generation opportunities for farmers through training, equipment and assistance in agriculture and animal husbandry. Parallel to this is a micro credit program which supplies loans for Timorese people to set up small businesses such as brick making, furniture making or roadside kiosks.

Meanwhile the Health component of the project addresses the chronic lack of health care burdening the Timorese people. The Relief and Development program of UnitingWorld – supports a number of health initiatives including two health clinics, a village health program and a full time nurse to implement preventative health care.

Please support this crucial work and help communities in need in East Timor to gain the skills they need to transform their lives. Click here to make a secure online donation.

You can download resources to engage your congregation with this project by clicking here.