East Timor is located around 640 kms northwest of Darwin and is one of Australia’s closest neighbours.

East Timor is struggling to rebuild itself in the wake of the war for independence.

Everyday in East Timor:

40% of the population survive on less than US $0.55.

70% of people fail to find enough food.

50-100 people die from preventable diseases.

The Livelihood Development project is transforming these struggling communities through income generating activities.

Agriculture

Animal husbandry

Micro-Credit

The health program supports two health clinics, a village health program and a full time preventative  health nurse.

The Agostina Family are just one of many to have benefited from the Livelihood and Development project.

Moses Agostina’s wife works away from the home in a hotel in Dili, a 4 hours drive away. The children’s grandparents Juliana and Juliano, with Moses, care for the children.

Like some 40% of the population, the family have lived on less than $1 per day.

Like some 40% of the population, the family have lived on less than $1 per day. For many years they grew corn and sweet potato and sold what they could in the market. But this was very unreliable.

Through a working group set up by our partner church, Moses acquired six goats. The family's land has the capacity to provide feed for livestock and as his herd increases, Moses will be able to sell goats at market for US$25 each.

Moses can now feed his family and the house in which they live can be renovated. The most exciting prospect is that his children can attend school.

You can help give more families like the Agostina’s the tools they need to transform the lives of their family. Contact UnitingWorld on 1800 998 122 or visit www.unitingworld.org.au