East Timor
is among the world’s 10 poorest nations and lies just one and
half hour’s flight north of Darwin, Australia.
It is also one of the world’s newest nations having won full independence in 2001 after more than 25 years of bitter fighting for freedom from Indonesia.
During the militia rampage at the end of 1999, designed to prevent the East Timorese from pursuing independence, thousands were murdered or displaced and 80% of the buildings and facilities were destroyed.
Since January 2001 HETA (Hibiscus Coast East Timor Appeal) Trust has sent many teams to help the East Timorese rebuild their shattered homes, communities and lives.
Some of the projects HETA has implemented are – water and sanitation in 3 villages that previously had insufficient clean water and no toilets; repair of a school and supplying materials; medical clinics; repairing villagers’ homes; and sponsoring just on 150 children to go to school.
Heta's
next projects include a community centre in the village of
Laulora. This centre will provide room for a pre-school, a place
for the villagers to hold meetings and training programmes, and a
medical clinic. We are also providing much needed assistance to the
local schools in that area.