West Timor Loans for Freedom

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Betun 1 038 Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT) in West Timor is the poorest province in Indonesia. Government estimates indicate that 80 per cent of households in NTT have an income of less that two dollars a say. Additionally, 84 per cent of the population lives in rural areas where infrastructure, transport, and utilities are limited. Almost 60 per cent of the population has only basic education, and 17 percent are unable to read and write.

“Loans for Freedom” is a project of the Tanaoba Lais Manekat Foundation (TLM). Economic, social and spiritual transformation of families and communities is enabled through the provision of small loans, known as “microfinance” for practical, income generating projects.

Several types of projects are available to clients, including animal fattening, small business expansion, and farming.

From 2006 to 2009, over 3000 loans were issued from the Betun branch of TLM, benefiting over 15 000 individuals. By 2012, an additional 1200 clients will be introduced to the loan program and vital infrastructure will be upgraded. A pig fattening scheme, which has proven successful in other areas of West Timor, will also be trialed.

Donations can be made online here or by calling 1800 998 122.