“Kolega” means friend in the Tetun, the offical Timorese language. And a friend is what we, as a volunteer run not-for-profit organisation based in Perth, aim to be to the people of our partner communities in Timor-Leste.
Timor-Leste, also known as East Timor, is a small island nation and Australia’s closest Neighbour, sitting just 687km from Darwin. Having gained independence in 2002 it is also one of the world’s newest countries. Numerous mountain ranges, abundant forests, world renowned reefs and picturesque beaches make Timor-Leste a dream location for adventurers.
The Timorese people have a rich cultural tradition which they continue to preserve into present day with great pride. An extremely respectful, warm and welcoming people who simply strive for better life for their families each and everyday. With a long history of invasion, occupation and colonisation the Timorese are an extremely resilient population whose hope for the future can be seen in the smiles and waves you receive as you drive out of the capital Dili. Although a strong nation, Timor-Leste are still rebuilding and recovering from the aftermath associated with their history. Many organisations are now based in Timor striving to achieve better education, child and maternal health, training, environmental and political outcomes.
We, at the Kolega Foundation, aim to provide direct financial or practical support to community identified development projects in Timor-Leste through partnerships we have developed over our previous years working on programmes in country. Our project partners identify and demonstrate how Kolega’s support can best meet the needs of their people and communities and how they will ensure that there are structured plans for sustainability and management of the support.
With a focus on education and health some examples of projects we are collaboratively working towards currently include:
funding the establishment of an IT and English language training centre in an isolated district to improve opportunities for higher education
providing locally made reusable menstrual products to female students so they can attend school year round
assessment and prescription of mobility aids and equipment to people in community that may have difficulty accessing their environment(s)
Timorese Kolega Project Co-ordinator, Julio Barros
Using already established partnerships and community connections ensures that funding can be passed straight from our hands into those of people we trust. Our partners have demonstrated community respect and rapport, integrity and the accountability skills to manage the community projects successfully. Our foundation’s promise is real. Money from Australian Kolegas goes straight to make a real difference in the lives of real people, our Timor-Leste Kolegas.