Children at risk in post-conflict East Timor

East Timor gained independence from Indonesia on 20 May 2002 and became the first new nation of the century. But the road to independence was long and traumatic. At least 100,000 Timorese died as a result of Indonesia’s 25-year occupation.

 When Indonesia finally agreed in 1999 to let the Timorese choose between independence and local autonomy the results showed an overwhelming support for independence. Indonesian militia went on a rampage, murdering hundreds of people and reducing towns to ruins.

The civil unrest disrupted the lives of thousands of Timorese children forcing many families to flee their homes. Those displaced by the violence moved to hastily erected camps and shelters. 

East Timor is one of Asia's poorest countries and will rely on outside help for many years. The infrastructure is poor and the country is prone to drought.

Today more than 60 % of the population in East Timor are under the age of 18 and almost half of these are undernourished. 12 % of children die by the age of five. Malaria, diarrhea and respiratory infections are common and health risks are increased by contaminated drinking water, inadequate sanitation and poor nutrition.

Only one in five children attend secondary school. Literacy rates are low and domestic and gender based violence commonplace. 

The Child and Community Centre in Viqueque, Timor-Leste, was one of the first centres of its kind in the country. Initially, the Centre offered Timorese children a place of stability and play, where they could heal from the trauma of war.

The Centre developed to offer health care, nutrition, education, after-school and youth activities, plus psychological and health advice for parents. Now, the Centre is entirely locally managed and receives funding from the local education department. It has integrated into the local kindergarten system and also offers a library and study space for older children and the community.

Hundreds of children attend the Centre daily. It has not only become a place of safety and learning, but a place where children can learn to be children again. “It’s amazing to see the change in the children that have been with us since the start” says Jo-Anne Aeria, our representative in Viqueque. “Their social skills have improved immensely, and now they come along to help with the younger ones”. 

We are very grateful to The Body Shop Australia who partner us in funding this unique project and additionally support us by providing volunteers for the annual playschemes.