Programs

Timor-Leste Oecusse

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$72,218 needed of $157,799

Implementing Organization

Church World Service (CWS)

Program Summary

This program draws on lessons learned from a previous program implemented by Church World Service and local partner FFundasaun Sosial Naroman (FUSONA) in Liquica, Timor-Leste. Both programs are part of Church World Service’s Timor Zero Hunger initiative.

This program addresses food insecurity and malnutrition in three villages in the Oecusse-Ambeno Special Administrative Region. Oecusse is Timor-Leste’s only non-contiguous region and is among the country’s most deprived areas.

CWS and FUSONA are working with 300 farming familites in three villages. To achieve the goal of improving food security and reducing malnutrition, the program focuses on four objectives:

  1. To improve community agricultural output through sustainable, climate resilient farming techniques;
  2. To improve community nutritional levels;
  3. To strengthen community agri-business capacity and income generation; and
  4. To increase economic leadership and income generation among community women.

To achieve these objectives, we will collaborate with farmers, village leaders, community women, and government officials.

Success Stories

New Knowledge and Collaboration Brings Delight

Madalena and her husband and children depend on farming for their livelihood, working hard to grow enough to eat and to sell to meet their daily needs. They plant maize and rice alongside other staples like cassava, bananas, sweet potatoes, tomatoes and various vegetables.

They have been farming for many years and Madalena is continuously seeking ways to improve and be a good example for other families in the community. She was thrilled when a new program was recently introduced in her community by local partner Fundasaun Sosial Naroman.

As the program began, she and other farmers formed demonstration plot groups of 18-25 members, committing to work and learn together. This newfound collaboration has been a great encouragement to Madalena, her family and her community.

“Since joining the program, I have felt a fundamental change. I am delighted because the knowledge I have gained is much better and more relevant compared to previous farming activities I participated in,” said Madalena. “The training we receive and activities we participate in truly help and boost our morale every day.”

As the program continues, Madalena and her neighbors will benefit from improved irrigation systems and will have the opportunity to participate in practical training related to raising chickens and goats, cultivating home gardens, nutrition and cooking, and sustainably producing, processing and storing maize.

“Through these activities, my family and I feel immensely happy. Our biggest aspiration is for the program to help the surrounding community fully understand its benefits, foster harmonious cooperation, and create prosperity in our neighborhood,” said Madalena.

Timor-Leste Oecusse

Led by Church World Service (CWS) and local partner Fundasaun Sosial Naroman (FUSONA)

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