Timor Leste
Population: 1,115,000
Capital: Dili
Life expectancy: 58 years
GNI per capita: $550
In May 2002, Timor Leste was finally able to proclaim independence after centuries of Portuguese rule, decades of Indonesian occupation and nearly three years of UN administration.
Timor Leste is one of the poorest countries in the world. More than 40% of the population live below the official poverty line and food security remains a concern, with 43% of children under 5 below weight. Unemployment is high and education costs are prohibitive, leaving many young people with few opportunities. In the violence that followed the 1999 referendum for independence, 75% of the population was displaced and 70% of infrastructure damaged or destroyed.
Timor Leste suffered a major setback during the civil unrest in 2006, during which CWS partner, Dominican Missionary Sisters, provided sanctuary to over 1200 civilians in Dili.
Our work
CWS has been supporting partners providing:
- Youth vocational training
- Women's vocational trainging
- Sustainable agriculture and water supply
- Community based health programmes
- Youth fishing programme
- Sustainable livelihoods through animal husbandry and household gardens
- Emergency relief
Our partners
Dominican Missionary Sisters
Fusona
