NUMBER 1 | 2020 VOZ TIMOR VOICE WITH TIMOR

Contact Engagement and Advancement Yvette Peterson [email protected] +61 9919 1309 For more information, visit vu.edu.au vu.edu.au CRICOS Provider NO. 00124K (Melbourne) CRICOS Provider NO. 02475d (Sydney) RTO Code: 3113

Published by Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia.

© Victoria University 2020

The copyright in this document is owned by Victoria University (Engagement & Government Relations) or in the case of some materials, by third parties (third party materials). No part may be reproduced by any process except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968. VOZ TIMOR / 1 CONTENTS Welcome to the first edition of VOZ TIMOR 5 Vice Chancellor Professor Peter Dawkins Bringing you VOZ TIMOR 6 From the Editor, Jeannie Rea Introducing the Melbourne Consulate and Honorary Consul 8 20th anniversary of the referendum: 10 - 19 Securing peace and stability in Timor-Leste Timor-Leste 20 years on 10 Abel Guterres Visions for the Future 12 Elsa Joaquina Araujo Pinto Reflections on the 20th Anniversary of 14 Timor-Leste’s independence referendum Jake Lasi A shrine to a nation 16 Dr Graham Thorpe About Timor’s leading university: 18 Universidade Nacional Timor Lorosa’e Professor Eduardo Aniceto Serrão Engaging young people in the SDGs 20 – 41 Joint Conference engages young people on the 20 Sustainable Development Goals Katrina Gubbins No time to study 22 Dr Therese Nguyen Thi Phuong Tam Moving towards acro-ecology for sustainability 24 Eugenio Lemos Developing sustainable agriculture and 26 communities in Ermera Abel Boavida dos Santos and Alberto Martins Guterres Improving adolescent nutrition 30 Editor: Jeannie Rea Jeannie Rea Assistant Editor: Katrina Gubbins Youth perspectives on promoting sustainable 32 Editorial board: Jeannie Rea, Kerry O’Neill, Ann Wigglesworth, Frances O’Neil, development in Timor-Leste Graham Thorpe, Katrina Gubbins A conversation with students and youth leaders 36 Publisher: Victoria University, PO Box 14428, Melbourne, VIC, 8001 Gizela Da Cruz De Carvalho ISSN Numbers: ISSN 2652-5291 Labour migration for decent work 38 Dr Ann Wigglesworth Copyright: The copyright of all material published in VOZ TIMOR remains the property of the authors and is subject to copyright laws. No part of this publication may be Conference report: Understanding Timor-Leste 40 reproduced without the written permission from the respective author. Dr Michael Leach Design: Amahl Weereratne Helen Hill and the Timor-Leste Special Collection 42

VOZ TIMOR / 3 WELCOME TO THE FIRST EDITION OF VOZ TIMOR VICE CHANCELLOR AND PRESIDENT PETER DAWKINS AO, VICTORIA UNIVERSITY

ictoria University has had a special relationship with the people of VTimor-Leste for over 30 years. A key part of this has been our relationship with the Universidade Nacional Timor Lorosa’e (UNTL). Together, we have presented a biennial international conference since 2002. The most recent conference in July 2019 focused on Young People and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Conference has inspired a number of opportunities for VU to advocate for action in response to important recommendations from Timorese academics, researchers, community workers and in particular young people, on how they can advance the SDGs in Timor-Leste. This VU-led magazine, aptly named VOZ TIMOR (Voice Timor), is one of those opportunities which I hope will draw attention to the ways in which Timor-Leste is making, and can continue to make, progress on the Sustainable Development Goals. I am pleased to present to you the first edition of this magazine, which includes articles derived from the Conference and other issues pertaining to Timor-Leste’s sustainable development twenty years after the vote for independence in 1999.

Professor Peter Dawkins AO Vice-Chancellor & President Victoria University

UNTL-VU Conference, Dili 2019. VOZ TIMOR / 5 BRINGING YOU VOZ TIMOR ‘VOICE WITH TIMOR’ JEANNIE REA

he purpose of this annual back in 2009. Voz Timor though is Tonline magazine is to provide not just for the VU community. information and opinion - and give (another) voice to Timorese The idea for the magazine came communities in and outside of from a discussion amongst Timor-Leste and to friends and the VU Timor-Leste committee colleagues around the world. about ways we could assist in communication, which seems to We hope that the magazine be both harder and easier in this develops as an annual digest of highly connected digital age. events, conferences, publications and writing focussing upon issues We invite contributions from and trends in discourse and friends of Timor-Leste across implementation on development Australia and the world. in Timor-Leste. As you read through this first In this first edition, the themes edition, think about where you are a reflection upon the could make a contribution – write 20th anniversary of the vote an article, report upon an event for independence; and, not over the last year, tell us about surprisingly twenty years on, the upcoming event over the next aspirations of the youth of Timor- year, react to an opinion piece, Leste. There is also a focus upon suggest writers and artists we the 2019 theme of the biennial should contact, write a letter, conference of UNTL (National send a picture just to name a few University of Timor-Leste) and possibilities. Victoria University - Engaging young people in the Sustainable We are initially publishing in Development Goals (SDGs). English, and if you want to submit in another language we can Publishing from Victoria translate. University, we will highlight Associate Professor Jeannie Rea activities emerging from the long- [email protected] UNTL students, Dili, 2019. (Photo: Katrina Gubbins) term relationship with Timor-Leste originally formalised in a MOU

VOZ TIMOR / 7 INTRODUCING THE MELBOURNE CONSULATE AND HONORARY CONSUL imor-Leste’s Melbourne supporter of the state and people TConsulate is located at of Timor-Leste. Victoria University’s city campus and has always been there. Peter The consular office evolved from McMullin, business leader and last century when VU provided philanthropist, has served as the the CNRT with a Melbourne office, Honorary Consul since December which was a focus for expatriate 2018. Timorese and Australian supporters organising to assist Mr McMullin is passionate in the struggle for independence his advocacy and admiration from Indonesia. for the people of Timor-Leste. Peter McMullin He has been supporting social For the Timor-Leste government, and economic development for politicians and civil servants and decades including as advisor to community leaders, contacting the Timor-Leste Government the consular office is understood FOR THE MELBOURNE government, civil society and in in agriculture, but also in a first choice for partnerships as a conduit for talking to the on the establishment of the TIMORESE COMMUNITY, education. harnessing greater economic in education and research. VU’s country’s first Chamber of Victorian Government and to independence in, for example, translational research focus Victoria University is ideally Commerce in 2008. Victoria University. Mr McMullin THE CONSULAR OFFICE high tech development. coupled with housing both VET emphasised the strength and positioned to continue this CONTINUES TO BE and higher education means that He also has strong long-term trust of these relationships, trusted relationship, which will Encouraging young entrepreneurs the University continues to have and ongoing ties to Victoria reinforced by many long-term INTEGRALLY TIED TO VU grow and develop, according to through education and training a key role to play in skills transfer. University, and emphasises the friends and supporters of Timor- BEYOND ITS PHYSICAL Mr McMullin, as a new generation and through targeted assistance He looks forward to continuing significance of the relationship Leste amongst the Australian of Timor-Leste leaders emerges. is a way to address the high levels LOCATION TO BEING to play a part in supporting between VU and Timor-Leste. community, including through the Through his many visits and of unemployment, particularly the development of these For the Melbourne Timorese resilient Friendship Groups. The SEEN AS A FRIEND AND networks, he sees educated as Timor-Leste seeks to rely less partnerships. community, the consular office relationships are also maintained RELIABLE SUPPORTER OF and determined young people upon international aid. continues to be integrally tied to because of the many VU alumni eagerly seeking to transform their Peter McMullin can be contacted Mr McMullin emphasised that VU beyond its physical location to who continue to serve their THE STATE AND PEOPLE country in traditional areas with at [email protected] Timor-Leste does look to VU as being seen as a friend and reliable country in leading roles across OF TIMOR-LESTE. greater sustainable development VOZ TIMOR / 9 Dr Jean McLean was first appointed as Vice Chancellor’s Special Adviser on Timor-Leste ANNIVERSARY in 2005. Pictured here with Estanislau da Silva, Minister of Agriculture in first Fretilin OF THE REFERENDUM Government and Dr Helen Hill. SECURING PEACE AND STABILITY IN TIMOR-LESTE Council of Timorese Resistance CNRT to plan for the future “I PAY MY RESPECTS AND (CNRT) with an office at VU independent East Timor together DEEP APPRECIATION TO 20th prior to independence in 1999, with the Timorese diaspora in which later turned into the Australia. THE LEADERS AND ALL Timor-Leste Consulate, with Then in 2005 the ‘Cooperating THE INDIVIDUALS OF the overwhelming support of with East Timor: Options for good VICTORIA UNIVERSITY Chancellor Hon Frank Vincent and TIMOR-LESTE 20 YEARS ON development practice’ conference FOR THE FORESIGHT Vice-Chancellor Jarlath Ronayne was held at VU with a Keynote DR ABEL GUTERRES along with university staff, and address by first Prime Minister AND LEADERSHIP IN Jean Mclean, Member of the Mari Alkitiri. This led to the WALKING ALONGSIDE Victorian Parliament appointed to n July 1999, 20 years ago, I the Royal Melbourne Institute establishment of the Timor-Leste TIMOR-LESTE IN THE VU Council. As an MP, Jean Mclean returned to Timor-Leste for of Technology (RMIT). I worked Studies Association (TLSA) and I had been on a fact-finding trip to AREAS OF EDUCATION, the first time in 24 years. I left in factories and later joined the subsequent biennial conferences East Timor in 1998 and reported Baucau in September 1975 on Tramways as a conductor, then with the National University BUILDING AND to the VU council. an Australian caribou aircraft, a tram driver and bus driver till (UNTL), TLSA and VU from 2009 NURTURING ACADEMIC believing I would only be gone for 1999. The job entailed shift work The Timorese office became the onwards. LEADERSHIP IN THE two weeks just to see the sights which gave me flexible times to centre to coordinate emergency I pay my respects and deep COUNTRY WITH THE of Darwin, yet, it went on for 24 do my activist work for Timor- activities. With the support of VU, appreciation to the leaders and VARIOUS INSTITUTIONS Dr Abel Gutteres. (Photo: SBS News) long years. Leste resistance between shifts the late David Scott and Kevin all the individuals of Victoria during the day or after hours. Bailey, who became Timor-Leste’s University for the foresight OF LEARNING AND After spending 38 hours in Darwin first Honorary Consul in Melbourne, and leadership in walking we were sent to Melbourne on DEVELOPMENT NEEDS.” we established the office as the alongside Timor-Leste in the a TAA flight, arriving early in the THE VICTORIA UNIVERSITY liaison point with Ms Etervina areas of education, building and morning on a sunny spring day CONNECTION Gronen running the office. nurturing academic leadership but it was still cold in September The period 1999 and 2000 was in the country with the various 1975. Melbourne has been a The Timor-Leste Honorary very traumatic for many of us. I institutions of learning and second home to me and my Consulate was the first diplomatic use the word traumatic because I development needs. family, and the majority of East was one of the three people from post to be opened in 2000 and it became official after Timor- This year we celebrated the 20th “SETTLING IN A NEW Timorese community living in outside of Timor-Leste who had Australia. cast my vote on the ground in Dili Leste formally declared as an anniversary of the UNAMET and COUNTRY WITH A and was almost killed twice by Independent State in 2002. It was INTERFET operations which gave Settling in a new country with a DIFFERENT CULTURE the Militias. We were preparing for generously hosted by VU and is Timor-Leste its rightful place as different culture and language the UN Consultations Referendum still operating today 20 years on. an independent and sovereign AND LANGUAGE WAS was not easy, but being a young on 30 August 1999 and then VU went on to provide further state joining the family of nations NOT EASY, BUT BEING A 19-year-old, I could adjust and had to cope with the mayhem valuable support in the world over, when Timor-Leste quickly made friends who became YOUNG 19-YEAR-OLD, that engulfed Timor-Leste after establishment of Dili Institute became 91st member of the our adoptive families up to now United Nations. We look forward I COULD ADJUST AND the announcement of the result of Technology in Dili. Veteran Xanana Gusmao opened the office for 44 years on. to continued friendship with QUICKLY MADE FRIENDS on September 4th 1999 and supporter Dr Helen Hill, the Emergency of the CNRT (National the emergency needs of the former lecturer in Community Victoria University for the next Council of Timorese Resistance) in May WHO BECAME OUR My first task was to learn basic English language at the displaced inside the country. Development at VU, convened a twenty years and beyond. 2000 at VU’s City Flinders campus. In 2002 Xanana Gusmao was elected first ADOPTIVE FAMILIES UP Enterprise Hostel in Springvale landmark strategic development His Excellency Abel Gutteres was Victoria University provided President of independent East Timor. TO NOW 44 YEARS ON.” and later, advanced English at planning conference at VU in the Timor Leste Ambassador to the pro-independence National April 1999 in collaboration with Australia 2009-19. VOZ TIMOR / 11 GENDER AND GENDER EQUALITY LAW AGAINST DOMESTIC VISIONS FOR THE There is a need to understand VIOLENCE what is ‘gender’ and what is While the law against domestic ‘gender equality?’ There was alot violence has been approved, a lot of disagreement when it comes more effort is needed to ensure to discussions about gender the implementation process really and gender equality. It was takes place. FUTURE also agreed that when we talk ELSA (UKE) JOAQUINA ARAUJO PINTO about gender, most of the time ENGAGING YOUNG PEOPLE IN people think that this is women’s problems. Men have nothing to do THE SDGs A core question that was raised he theme, Peace, Justice and and early pregnancies is a the ministries of education and with it. In Timor’s society, there is during the discussion is: ‘How Education for Women and recognised contributor to the of health. Therefore, it is very a need to define the terms gender T are we going to engage young Girls was the most popular theme high number of girls dropping difficult to have reproductive and gender equality clearly before people in SDGs while most of our of the UNTL – VU conference out from school. The Ministry of health and reproductive rights moving on to the discussion of young people are unemployed, last July with 39% of participants Education has approved a policy included in the school curriculum. ‘why we need gender equality. have lack of access to quality attending the theme sessions. for girls to go back to school On the other hand, some of Why is it important? How would education, and no opportunity to Uke Pinto was one of the theme following pregnancy. However, the officials at the Ministry gender equality contribute to express their ideas and opinions? organisers and also reported as it was reported that there is no of Education have reportedly the achievement of SDGs? How This is the big question - and I do the Youth Ambassador. She made mechanism in place to implement declared publicly that, ‘the use are we going to achieve gender not have an answer to it yet. Uke reporting as a Youth Ambassador the following observations. the policy. of condoms by young people equality?’ in the final session of the UNTL-VU should be banned’. In addition, the In conclusion, it was a great Conference. (Photo: Jeannie Rea) My first observation was there Reflecting further on the previous Catholic Church maintains their conference as it brought together were a large number of young EARLY PREGNANCY point, when the talk focuses on own position regarding this issue. people from different age groups, people taking part in this AND MARRIAGE issues related to women, men in organizations and nationalities. conference. These young people Consequently, access to the room often become defensive Factors were identified that have It was a way for young people come from various high schools information about reproductive and offensive. In our session, men contributed to early pregnancy and students to express their and universities in and around Dili. health is not easy, especially if were trying to talk on behalf of and early marriage including opinions and how they are largely Some are NGO staff, many are you are young and not married women, and also trying to deny no clear sexual education in unhappy with the current systems from volunteer groups and some yet. This is because most of the the facts shared by women in the households or in schools. Parents in Timor – and want to make even small businesses. Young time, the health professionals same room. do not broach these subjects changes. There was a good of mix people were brave and really would ask for your age, your leaving it to the high schools. But from the government officials, stood up to share their opinions marital status and if you are still ACCESS TO JUSTICE some students stated that while NGOs, National Parliament and ask questions. I see this as at school or not. This hinders there is some information in our When it comes to justice, access representatives, academics great progress compare to what young people discussing their school text books, however the to justice is mainly available and and researchers both local happened 10 years ago, when reproductive health with health teacher did not explain it in detail, easier for rich people as they and international. There is a young people were reluctant to professionals or seeking for this is because of things related have adequate resources. In strong need to follow up on the speak out. medical assistance when needed. to sex are still considered as some cases, if you have family recommendations that came up secret and taboo. There were a number of key There is a need to reform the and connection with the people from this conference. issues that occupied speakers school education curriculum in the court, it is likely that your Elsa (Uke) Pinto was a Youth and participants throughout the REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AND in order to respond to the real case will be attended to quickly Ambassador at the UNTL/VU sessions on women and girls. REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS problems within the community and settled as you would prefer, Conference. She is completing of early pregnancy and early compared to if you have no These are mostly promoted a Masters in International marriage, sexually transmitted connections. ACCESS TO EDUCATION by the international agencies Community Development at diseases, etc. The high rate of early marriage with a lack of coordination with Victoria University (VU). VOZ TIMOR / 13 and put a stop to the worst of it, most of the teachers had left, Paralysing political conflicts must but in my home district, Oecussi, but we built a shelter out of palm be set aside. The youth need jobs, the militia continued burning leaves and began to use that. One and if they don’t get them there houses and schools. Terrified and older teacher still remembered is the risk of a return to conflict. REFLECTIONS ON THE traumatised, my family and I fled Portuguese and started teaching The non-oil economy, especially over the border to a refugee camp us. Though we had no text books in agriculture and tourism must near the Indonesian port of Wini. I remember learning the word for be effectively stimulated, chicken, galinha, and a counting along with small village level 20TH ANNIVERSARY We had to wait a month more until song, um, dois, tres… cooperatives and local production INTERFET got to Oecussi and it of basic goods. was safe to return. Some people Outside school I also liked say the Australians weren’t to teach myself, especially “FOR ITS YOUNG – THE planning to come at all until some English. I would practice with LESSONS OF PAST OF TIMOR-LESTE’S members of the community sent the malae (foreign) UN soldiers a boy by the name of Lafu all the whose base was near my home CONFLICT MUST NOT BE way to Bobonaro (a dangerous (see photo). I would always carry FORGOTTEN. RESPECT trip of more than 100km) carrying around an old Bahasa Indonesia AND DIALOGUE MUST a note begging for their help. to English dictionary. Slowly life INDEPENDENCE BE PART OF DAILY Whatever happened, by the end returned to normal. of October the militia had finally LIFE. THERE NEEDS been chased away and it was safe But although INTERFET succeeded TO BE A SPIRIT OF for us to return. in restoring peace to Timor REFERENDUM and addressing the post-war SELF-RELIANCE, Most of my hometown, a village humanitarian crisis, 20 years SELF-EDUCATION AND JAKE LASI called Mahata, had been burned later things have not improved VOLUNTEERISM.” down and we lived in a tent city as much as we had hoped they arly on the morning of 30 set up in what had been the might. In parts of Dili gangs still To conclude, I have a deep respect EAugust 1999, with the roosters local primary school. Many were sometimes fight each other on and pride in the achievements of crowing and the dew still on nearly starving, living off what the streets and people don’t feel Xanana Gusmão for his role in our the leaves, Timor woke early to cassava, sweet potato and banana safe. Especially the past years our struggle, both before and after choose their destiny with a pen they could forage. Others had political system has sometimes independence, as well as much or a nail. Eight months earlier managed to stash a stack of rice been at an impasse, unable gratitude to former President the then President of Indonesia, somewhere safe from the flames, to pass budgets or generate Habibie of Indonesia, the former BJ Habibie, had granted us a and eventually we were provided results. Many Timorese youth UN Secretary General Kofi Annan referendum on self-determination, with some food by the UN. are frustrated, unemployed and and, last but not least, the brave and the time had finally arrived. disenfranchised. In rural areas, people of my country who voted Many of us were sick with malaria education, access to water and in the referendum 20 years ago. I was only eight years old and and dengue, I almost died of it access to health care are lacking. Viva Timor-Leste. living by the sea in Oecussi, myself, but after that things got but I remember how excited a little better. Every day I would For its leaders – bureaucratism, we were five days later when play soccer and go fishing. The egotism, corruption, collusion and Jake Lasi is a UN Ambassador for the we gathered to hear the result. school had been burned and nepotism – all of these must stop. Oceans. About 78.5% of the vote had This is the first in a series on been for independence compared perspectives from Timor-Leste, to just 21.5% for autonomy within “MY MESSAGE ON THE TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY co-ordinated and translated by Dr Michael Rose. Indonesia. OF OUR INDEPENDENCE REFERENDUM IS THAT NOW The post “Reflections on the The violence that ensued TIMOR-LESTE HAS WON ITS SOVEREIGNTY, IT IS THE twentieth anniversary of Timor-Leste’s after that is well known. On 20 RESPONSIBILITY ALL ITS PEOPLE TO WORK TOGETHER independence referendum” appeared first on Devpolicy Blog from the Jake practicing English with a UN soldier post-independence vote, September the soldiers and ships TO MAINTAIN A JUST AND SUSTAINABLE PEACE.” Development Policy Centre. Oecussi, Timor-Leste (Photo: Jake Lesi) of INTERFET had arrived in Dili VOZ TIMOR / 15 A SHRINE TO A NATION THE TIMORESE RESISTANCE ARCHIVE AND MUSEUM DR GRAHAM THORPE

n 2017 Timor Leste received East Timorese were either killed, shared suffering and the common I74,000 tourists, and there are or starved to death. goal of independence portrayed plans to triple this number in in the Resistance Museum that the next decade. But what are The Timorese Resistance Archive binds these disparate groups into tourists to do in East Timor? They and Museum, located close to a united nation. can visit markets, snorkel, go hill- the centre of Dili, chronicles walking, and increasingly a vibrant this struggle for independence East Timor’s population is night-life beckons. through a series of large expected to double in 30 photographic and text panels. years, and 40% of its people However, the most popular tourist These are complemented by are less than 15 years old. The activity in Dili is a visit to Cristo tableaux. One of them shows an Resistance Museum and Archive Rei, a statue of Jesus Christ facing East Timorese student vaulting has a key role to play in keeping westerly, out to sea towards over the fence into the grounds the memory of the struggle for Jakarta. The statue was unveiled of the US Embassy in Jakarta independence fresh amongst the in 1996 by President Suharto to raise awareness of the cruel generations to come. of Indonesia, and it exudes treatment meted out by the symbolism. The statue of Jesus, Indonesian invaders. A second If you are fortunate enough to the globe on which he stands, and tableau features the tiny 2m by visit the Resistance Museum in pedestal are 27m high – indicating 2.5m bunker from which Konis Dili, remember it is more than an that East Timor is the 27th Santana led the Falantil militia for educational institution or a tourist province of Indonesia. five years until his death in 1998. site - it is a shrine to a nation. The irony is that during 1996 The beautifully housed and Dr Graham Thorpe is an Honorary the Timorese were fighting for presented Resistance Museum Professor in VU’s College of their own independence from is a ‘must see’ for tourists, but Engineering and Science. Indonesia, who invaded Timor for the East Timorese it has a far Leste in 1975. This invasion was greater significance. Although followed by over two decades of the two official languages in East brutal guerrilla warfare between Timor are Tetum and Portuguese, liberation fighters and the there is over a score of other Indonesian armed forces. It is languages spoken throughout estimated that up to 200,000 the country. There are over a half dozen ethnic groupings. It is the Outside of the Museum. (Photo: Jeannie Rea) VOZ TIMOR / 17 Cooperation; Academic Affairs; Administration and Financing; ABOUT TIMOR’S LEADING UNIVERSITY Counselling; Students Affairs; Photo: Katrina Gubbins and Planning and Institutional Development. Faculties are Educação a Distância dos Países holding doctorates and ninety headed by Deans with Vice Deans, de Língua Portuguesa; Rede de percent having masters degrees. supported by an administrative UNIVERSIDADE NACIONAL Estudos Ambientais de Países This continues to improve from structure. de Língua Portuguesa (REALP), year to year. These qualifications International Association of were obtained from universities PARTNERSHIPS FOR QUALITY Universities; ASEAN Quality in Australia, Portugal, USA, New TIMOR LOROSA’E AND GROWTH Assurance Association; and the Zealand, Philippines, Brazil, Cuba, PROFESSOR EDUARDO ANICETO SERRÃO UNTL is working to establish University Mobility in Asia and the Japan and Indonesia. the Centre for Excellence of Pacific Association. In pursuing the best in learning Higher Education and Scientific n 17th November 2019, from both institutions gathered nation building. At the time of and teaching, students of UNTL Research and pursuing the goal Universidade Nacional Timor and decided that a university establishment until 2005, UNTL DIGITAL-LIBRARY STARTED are engaged in many activities, O of global university standards. Lorosa’e (UNTL) celebrated was needed to contribute to the offered courses across five IN 2019 including classes and pracs UNTL constantly works at nineteen years as the only prosperity of the newborn nation. faculties: Agriculture; Social UNTL is increasing the quality and involvement in national strengthening partnerships with state university in Timor-Leste. Therefore, UNTL was founded on Science and Politics; Economics of learning spaces and has and international seminars and international universities and However, the presence of tertiary 17th November 2000 (before the and Management; Education Art established libraries within the workshops, student exchange and research institutions, including education had been available restoration of independence of and Humanities; and Engineering faculties. In 2019 a digital-library many other interactive activities. Australia, America, Portugal, Japan, within Timor from October 1986 Timor-Leste in 20th May 2002) as Science and Technology. Since (elibrary.edu.edu.tl) was launched The compulsory academic Indonesia, Philippines, China and when the Universitas Timor-Timor the state university in the country. 2005 the faculties of Law; giving students and lecturers subjects are implemented others. With nearly a quarter of the was founded, while in 1990 the Medicine and Health Sciences; access to the best and latest through ECTS (European Credit academic staff from international Polytechnic Dili was established. The early years were very Exact Science; and Philosophy book-publishing around the Transfer System), where a student universities, this assists in tough, with not only facilities in have emerged. world in order to enhance and in a semester should fulfill of 30 strengthening these relationships After the referendum on 30 ruins, but also the institutional deepen their understanding of ECTS is interpreted to 27 hours the pursuit of excellence. August 1999, when most Timorese infrastructure, and much of the In order to make the role of the their learning. UNTL is working to of study per credit per semester. decided to be an independent administrative and academic university genuine, real and In the final year of the four year UNTL has more than 300 diversify and improve the numbers country, everything was ruined, staff scattered. However, the stronger, UNTL has expanded degrees, students engage in an cooperation agreements with of book references in the digital- including both higher education founders of the new university to fifteen research and internship program, which can 191 institutions in 30 countries. library through relationships with facilities. During the transition were visionary and driven by development centres such as involve social services in the We are engaged and actively many partner universities around period to the fully-independent commitment to the crucial role Centre for Climate Change and field, elaborated upon in a small associated with many international the world, including in Australia nation, a number of key people of the production of human Biodiversity; National Centre for research project to produce a networks, including Associação (Australia National University, resources for the economic Scientific Investigation; National scientific report in the form of a das Universidades de Língua Victoria University, Charles Darwin development of the country. Institute of Linguistic with bachelor’s degree thesis. Portuguesa (AULP), Fórum de University and others), as well as Portuguese, English and Tetun Gestão do Ensino Superior nos with universities from Portugal, Whilst much progress has been Language Centers; Peace and RAPID GROWTH Países e Regiões de Língua USA, Japan and others. made, enormous challenges Conflict Centre; Social Studies Today UNTL is growing Portuguesa (FORGES), Rede continue as UNTL continues Institute; Korean Study Centre; UNTL has a ten year strategic rapidly, with nine faculties de Instituições Públicas de working to concretize our vision Academic Centre for Inclusion; plan, of which a major focus and 41 undergraduate and 15 Educação Superior (RIPES) where and mission, to achieve long term Timor-Leste Citizenship Lab; is continuous improvement of postgraduate programs. There more than 150 universities were goals of elevating the lives of Gender Study Centre; Human the quality of teaching and are more than 25,000 students involved. There is also the trilateral Timor–Leste’s people. Right Centre; and American administrative staff. When UNTL and 665 teaching and research Indonesia Timor-Leste Australia Corner. was established in 2000 most Professor Eduardo Aniceto academic staff, of whom Academic Partnership, as well teaching staff only held bachelor Serrão, Ph.D is Pro-Rector of 76% are locals and the rest as the Fórum dos Reitores das UNTL is headed by a Rector (Vice- degree with a few Master holders. Cooperation Affairs at the international. Since 2003 UNTL Instituições do Ensino Superior Professor Eduardo Aniceto Serrão being Chancellor) and supported by 7 But now, the quality of the Universidade Nacional Timor has graduated more than 15,000 da China e dos Países de Língua interviewed by students and media at Pro (Deputy) rectors including a teaching program is enhanced Lorosa’e (UNTL). qualified scholars to serve in Portuguesa. Associação de the UNTL-VU Conference in 2019. deputy rector for International with six per cent of lecturers (Photo: Jeannie Rea) VOZ TIMOR / 19 ENGAGING YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE SDGS

JOINT CONFERENCE ENGAGES YOUNG PEOPLE ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS KATRINA GUBBINS Photo: Katrina Gubbins

ver two days from 1-2 July themselves as agents of change. Another attendee, 17-year-old Timor-Leste is taking control of its O2019, Victoria University With 50% of the nation’s Sergio, felt that the conference future. The UNTL-VU partnership, and the Universidade Nacional population being under the age of provided guidance on how to and VU’s commitment to this Timor Lorosa’e (UNTL) held 18, the attendees, predominately contribute towards his country in young country, has an important a conference titled Engaging senior secondary school and a sustainable manner: role to play through advocacy, Young People in the Sustainable university students, sensed support and advice. Development Goals (SDGs) in their importance and role in the “THE MAIN REASON Timor-Leste’s capital, Dili. development of Timor-Leste. VU was represented at the I ATTENDED THIS conference by the Hon. Dr Jean It was the sixth biennial joint Many left feeling inspired and CONFERENCE WAS McLean, VU Special adviser on conference to focus on issues empowered as part of this BECAUSE IT RELATED Timor-Leste, along with College facing Timor Leste’s development process. Valeria, 18 years old, TO YOUTH AND IT of Arts and Education Chair and is part of Victoria University’s described how the conference of Postgraduate International decades-long commitment to helped her to understand more REMINDS ME AS A Community Development, Jeannie Timor-Leste. about the issues facing women YOUTH TO PARTICIPATE Rea. Timor-Leste specialist and and girls: IN THE PROCESS VU alumna Dr Ann Wigglesworth Themes covered sustainable organised the conference in agriculture, health, “WHEN I GO BACK TO THAT’S RUNNING IN Australia and Timor-Leste with entrepreneurship, climate MY COMMUNITY, I WILL THIS COUNTRY, AND TO the assistance of Engagement action and gender equity with and Government Relations staff contributions from government TELL THEM TO BE MORE DEVELOP MY BELOVED COUNTRY WITH THE Kerry O’Neill and Katrina Gubbins. officials including the Education PRODUCTIVE AND TO VU alumnus Joni Chung looked Minister (and VU alumna) H.E. Dr PREVENT THE PROBLEMS THINGS I LEARNT HERE,” after logistics in-country. Former Dulce de Jesus Soares and MP THAT THEY FACE SO THEY HE CONTINUED. academic staff member and VU Hon. Nelia Menezes, and notable honorary fellow Dr Helen Hill, Timorese researchers including CAN FOCUS ON THEIR With a history of 450 years of now resident in Dili, continued Rector Dr Aurelio Guterres. STUDY AND HOW TO Portuguese colonisation, 24 to provide critical support and Katrina Gubbins is a years of Indonesian occupation, The conference provided an ACHIEVE THEIR GOALS advice. A number of Timorese Communications Coordinator for and a guerrilla struggle to finally VU Alumni also attended or VU’s Precincts, Communities and insight into the country’s present AND TO BE SUCCESSFUL achieve independence in 2002, and future, and how the next presented at the conference. Government Relations division. Photo: Katrina Gubbins generation are positioning IN THE FUTURE” SHE SAID. VOZ TIMOR / 21 NO TIME TO STUDY: EXPERIENCES OF FEMALE STUDENTS LIVING WITH EXTENDED FAMILIES IN DILI Therese Nguyen Thi Phuong Tam presenting at the UNTL-VU Conference in 2019 (Photo: Katrina Gubbins) THERESE NGUYEN THI PHUONG TAM EXPLOITED AND TOO TIRED around 3am to continue working. households. For the students The family does not allow them this can make it hard for them In a group discussion one girl from to eat early, the family eats first, to concentrate on their studies. Lospalos shared her experiences and the student is not allowed Some said that after dinner they living with her maternal aunt to eat meat, or fish. Everyday are so tired that they fall asleep in Dili, looking after two small around 6pm she also has to once they start reading. very year young people flock work hard to compensate for their children who are one and four WOMEN’S WORK sell vegetables in the market to Timor-Leste’s capital city stay and food. They think it is years old. After doing household E As many studies of women’s work until 11pm. When she visits her The government, universities, Dili. They come for employment natural that they have obligations work, she studies from 10pm until have concluded that women´s parents, she dares not complain civil society and the private and education with about 84% to the family in order to maintain midnight, only about two hours time is task-oriented, meaning the about her problems. She just told sector need to work together to enrolled in school or university. family relationships. The family, in a day. She has to wait for water whole task must be completed them nice stories because she did find solutions for this problem. Today the number of young turn, are obliged to accept their to fill all the containers. Water regardless of how many hours it not want to create conflicts with The government should invest women migrating to the urban relatives to stay with them. comes sometimes at midnight may take. A popular cliché says, her uncle’s family. in public boarding houses. They areas is slightly more than the and she takes two hours to fill should establish a hot line or “women´s work is never done”. The relationality in the family number of young men. Few live the water before going to sleep. Some girls develop their own emergency centres for girls who Thomson and Walker (1989) network can be viewed as social independently and most must Other times the water opens strategies to cope with the need help in such situations. It concluded: “The unpaid work capital. It keeps the extended lodge with their extended family. around 9pm. Her average sleep situation by, for example, staying is time the university thought is not a gender-neutral bundle family strong. For this reason, each night is five hours. on campus longer to study. Some about community engagement Belun’s recent briefing paper of chores that women perform exploitation is not considered as multitask to save their time for activities, in order to socialize found various problems have out of comparative advantages an issue to be expressed or raised Another girl from Ainaro, lives with resting and studying. Some could the mission and objectives of emerged in these shared or lower resources but instead in public arena. other nieces who help her in the not stand the hardship and they the study program and appeal to spaces (Belun, 2018). To further integral to the reproduction of housework. She is responsible have given up their studies and students’ parents to collaborate investigate this issue, I discussed unequal power relation between Young girls in rural districts have for looking after a two year old got married. There are some and support students to ensure it with male and female students women and men.” been trained by their mothers child. She also does the washing, cases where parents found out their good study outcomes. in the Social Science Faculty of since they were small to work and cleaning and cooking. She only TIME USE STUDY serve others in their households. the truth about their daughter’s the National University (UNTL) has about one hour a day for Dr Therese Nguyen Thi Phuong They were trained to make coffee, exploitation and rented them a during my class on Gender and studying. Tam is a researcher and lecturer Over five years, I invited 116 sweep houses, and cook. Some room away from relatives. Development, as well conducting in the Social Science faculty at Gender and Development mothers believe that they must Another informant from Baucau other research. In general, families that host UNTL. students to do a daily activities train their girls well in domestic came to Dili and stayed with her female students expect them The young women students diary including how they allocate work to be ready in case they uncle’s family. Her uncle has three to spend time on domestic reported that they do not have time for studying. The results pursue higher education in Dili daughters living in the house, and REFERENCES of the students’ time use study responsibilities as a mutual adequate time on their own and stay with relatives. The boys each of them has work to do. She Belun & UNFPA (2018). Leaving no youth obligation of giving and receiving. to study, nor for doing extra- found that female students spend are expected to work in the host said her life was very difficult, behind in Timor-Leste. Policy Brief #2 For most of extended families it curricular activities like field visits more than double the time on family by carrying water and because she spent her time Migrant youth in Dili City, UNFPA: Dili. is considered normal and natural. or participating in study groups. domestic work than male students. doing some errands, but they preparing “nasi pukus” (cooked Thomson, L. & Walker, A. J. (1989). The food and the lodging that Their time was taken up by tasks have more freedom and do not rice packs) to sell in the market. Gender in family: women and men in Students who live with their they provide are expected to be marriage, work and parenthood. Journal expected by their host family. experience the same level of She has little time to sleep, going relatives think that they must returned in time and labor to the of marriage and the family, 51: 845-871. control as the girls. to bed 1:30am then waking up

VOZ TIMOR / 23 landscapes ugly. People are are eating have many chemicals “THE PROBLEM IS THAT cutting and burning our forests that are making people sick. THE POPULATION HAS leading to the loss of forests; the MOVING TOWARDS number of dried-up natural water We should learn from our LOST CONSCIOUSNESS sources has increased, and more. ancestors, using wild and domestic AND UNDERSTANDING foods and protein from the ABOUT HOW TO PROTECT KEY ISSUES FOR ACTION sea. We must promote Food AGRO-ECOLOGY FOR Sovereignty which means ‘Plant OUR BEAUTIFUL To prevent these problems from what you eat and eat what you LANDSCAPE, NATURAL becoming worse in the future, plant’ a major theme of this year’s RESOURCES AND LOCAL UNTL and Victoria University THE ENVIRONMENT KNOWLEDGE WHICH IS conference focussed on how We can see the impact of climate LINKED TO OUR CULTURE SUSTAINABILITY to end hunger and malnutrition change in the farming seasons. We OF COOKING AND EATING, EUGENIO ‘EGO’ LEMOS and achieve sustainable life on the land (incorporating SDGs 2 need to counteract de-forestation, PROTECTING THE LAND, imor-Leste is a small country, is increasing malnutrition, land learn about habitat of animals and & 15). There was a high degree WATER SOURCES, Tit has diverse micro-climates, degradation and the collapse of student participation in the inform the government on how to SEEDS, FORESTS, ETC. beautiful landscapes and is rich of local food markets. There sessions. Participants described protect them. in natural resources linked to are major changes in food the topics as ‘important’ Youth must get involved in THIS PROBLEM HAS agriculture, biological diversity systems, which in turn have and ‘interesting’ and many planting trees, and we need LED TO A CONTINUING and a wealth of local knowledge. affected the traditional eating commented on the high quality of to work hard to look after the A road-side food market in Timor-Leste. Today, our population is close patterns, agricultural methods LOSS EACH YEAR OF (Photo: Ann Wigglesworth) the presentations. environment. Marine life is to 1.3 million and the majority and livelihoods of Timorese affected by plastic, so we must NATIONAL LOCAL SEEDS, live in rural areas and depend on people. This is evidenced by The key issues identified during properly dispose of rubbish so fish A STEADY DECLINE IN agriculture and forests for their changes in diet, food processing these sessions were: do not choke on plastic. economic base. and methods agricultural of NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL production. YOUTH AS FARMERS Climate change requires looking PRODUCTION, AND WE Each year, large numbers of after the planet better. HAVE STARTED TO LOSE students finish their high school The problem is that The participants heard that and university studies, and the the population has lost permaculture and school gardens Ego Lemos is the founder of the TRADITIONAL CULTURE question remains as to how to consciousness and understanding can provide education that will NGO ‘PERMATIL’ which introduced RELATED TO VARIED DIETS attract kids to agriculture and and promotes permaculture in prepare them for jobs? Many of about how to protect our AND HARVEST TIME.” “YOUTH ARE AN them have lost interest in the beautiful landscape, natural could even result in successful Timor-Leste. He is also one of the businesses. best known singer-song writers in IMPORTANT PILLAR agricultural sector and moved resources and local knowledge from rural areas to the city to which is linked to our culture of Timor-Leste. OF OUR NATION. Importantly, educated youth look for work, much of which cooking and eating, protecting need to return home to their SEVENTY PER CENT will not guarantee a sustainable the land, water sources, seeds, Ego Lemos facilitating a workshop at the UNTL-VU conference 2019. communities in the rural areas (Photo: Katrina Gubbins) OF TIMOR-LESTE’S future. Their elders are left in the forests, etc. This problem has led to share their knowledge to TOTAL POPULATION IS rural areas to continue to produce to a continuing loss each year contribute to improving farming food for the population. of national local seeds, a steady practices. 35 YEARS OF AGE OR decline in national agricultural YOUNGER (UNDP HUMAN PRIORITISING FOOD & production, and we have started ENDING HUNGER DEVELOPMENT REPORT to lose traditional culture related AGRICULTURE SUSTAINABILITY to varied diets and harvest time. To end hunger, policies must be 2018). A BENEFIT OF THIS Today Timor-Leste is facing a transformed into action. This IS THE WONDERFUL range of problems arising from a The consequence is the rise in needs good knowledge from malnutrition. Imported products ENERGY AND CREATIVITY lack of clear policies on food and schools. School kids eat instant agriculture. Apart from the lack dominate the local markets, noodles and drink soft drinks OF YOUTH WHO WILL of interest from young people producing huge amounts of which have no nutrition. Foods we BUILD OUR FUTURE.” in the agricultural sector, there trash which turn our beautiful VOZ TIMOR / 25 DEVELOPING SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE AND COMMUNITIES IN ERMERA ABEL BOAVIDA DOS SANTOS AND ALBERTO MARTINS GUTERRES

offee is Timor-Leste’s major (UNAER or Ermera Peasants’ Silva (1894-1908) enabled Cexport. Ermera is the largest Union). the expansion of control over Coffee farmers in Ermera. (Photo: APHEDA) coffee producing region in East native peoples’ land, the oft Timor. In 2017 the total area UNAER is focussed upon repeated pattern over four and planted to coffee in the district strengthening land use in coffee a half centuries of Portuguese farming through “Kuda Rai ho of Timor-Leste (RDTL) in 2002. 1. Defend and fight for agrarian As a social movement, UNAER of Ermera covered about 32,135 colonisation. Da Silva and The farmers demanded RDTL’s reform policies; has a political and economic hectares, with total production of Integradu” (integrated land successor governors were directly first constitutional government 2. Organise farmers to reclaim focus. The context of political 4,020 tons. planting) to try and make family involved in the commercial immediately implement agrarian the plantations and then plant movements can be seen from income sustainable. Training export industry. In 1908 a tax reform. These actions were them with integrated farming advocacy efforts, both at The extensive coffee plantations young people in integrated was introduced which meant that organised by village youths systems; the local and national level, in Ermera District are closely sustainable farming and every Timorese man between related to the history of community organising practices is who during the struggle for 3. Maintain and promote through community organising the ages of 18 and 60 was liable independence were actively and network development to colonialism and outside the key. for this tax which meant he had sustainable agricultural intervention that has exploited involved in the network of the policies; and strengthen the movement. to produce agricultural products clandestine movement to fight the local people. Consequently, BACKGROUND over and above his family’s needs 4. Develop networks with other The socio-economic context this encouraged the emergence for independence for Timor- The coffee plantations in for the market, or would have to farmer unions at national can be seen from efforts to of a farmers’ movement from Leste. The peoples’ demand for Ermera established under the engage in wage labour, usually and international levels as ensure the sustainability of 2002, formally established in 2010 the government to immediately Governorship of Celestino da on government projects such as well as other civil society the movement through the as Uniaun Agrikultura Ermera implement agrarian reform coffee plantations. Portuguese was inspired by the spirit of organizations to support economic improvement program colonisation was followed by the struggle for the people’s and strengthen the peasant of UNAER member families. It is the illegal occupation by the liberation which was guided by movement. implemented through activities such as education and training, Indonesian military for 24 years, the slogan “terra livre, povo livre” FOCUS ON SUSTAINABLE when the coffee plantations were (“Free land, free people”). nurseries and demonstration taken over and exploited by the AGRICULTURE gardens that are integrated automatically with production military. From 2017 UNAER has COMMUNITY ORGANISING activities. concentrated on family Immediately after the result of The main objective of UNAER is agricultural production, through the Independence referendum to achieve agrarian reform which UNAER is now working to an integrated land planting was announced, in mid-1999, guarantee social justice and transform monoculture system. Current members of the some subsistence farmers in promote sustainable agriculture plantations into diversification union include 24.384 families Ermera began to reclaim state for everyone. in a system known as ‘kuda and outside owned plantations. from the district, with the total rai ho sistema integradu’ This reclamation expanded after The strategy of UNAER in fighting area planted with coffee of about the restoration of independence for the rights and dignity of 32,135 hectares with a total cont. on next page Farmland in Timor-Leste, travelling between Dili to Suai (Photo: Ann Wigglesworth) as the Democratic Republic farmers is to: production of 4,020 tons in 2017. VOZ TIMOR / 27 cont. from previous page

(integrated planting system). to conduct participatory orange, avocado tree, and other This transformation is carried out discussion with community, plants are propagated on the in stages, starting in 2017 with identify community problems nursery land. The next stage is education and training followed and resources that can be education and training on the by nurseries and demonstration mobilised to answer the basic principles of sustainable gardens in several UNAER bases. community’s problems. They will agriculture and integrated land create nurseries, demonstration planting before the distribution of SCHOOL FOR ACTIVISTS AND gardens and provide training and seedlings to UNAER members for COMMUNITY ORGANISERS education on the principles of the planting. This training is practiced UNAER movement and integrated in the existing pilot plantations UNAER with the support of NGO planting techniques. and UNAER leaders work closely Kdadalak Sulimutu Institute (KSI) with IEFS students, so this activity has opened a school for activists PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION is integrated with student field and community organisers. The work activities. school named Institutu Ekonomia The program is disseminated Fulidaidai /Slulu (IEFS) is the main through UNAER’s 28 bases. support of this social movement. Integrated land planting practices BENEFITS OF THE PROGRAM UNTL Students-Coffee Production in Maudio, Ermera. The curriculum is designed to have been carried out at eight The benefits of planting various integrate theory and community- bases so far. The implementation crops in an integrated manner in based organising activities. starts with a nursery, education one field is that farmers will save ensure the sustainability of family not an instrument of change only needs of farmers. Students from and training, then by creating energy and production costs. This income. driven from the outside, but they peasant families are educated as Students are selected from a demonstration garden and practice can be done in the yard become actors who encourage community organisers and agents communities that have carried out distributing seedlings to members of their homes and on plantations INVOLVING YOUNG PEOPLE and promote change. of change to promote social the reclaiming of plantations with to plant in their own yards. that they have reclaimed. If transformation based on social “Kuda rai ho sistema integradu” is the objective being that they plantations are planted, with not UNAER wants to show that justice. will later return to their bases as In the nurseries various plant only coffee, but also rambutan, an effort by UNAER to maintain education must be an instrument community organisers. seeds that are economically orange and avocado, farmers will the sustainability of the Ermera to free people from their Abel Boavida dos Santos and valuable and suitable to the then harvest coffee, rambutan peasant social movement and to alienation. In this context UNAER Alberto Martins Guterres are with During the field work, students climate in the Ermera region, meet the real needs of farmers seeks to introduce the real UNAER (Emera Peasants Union). stay in their respective bases and avocado for different harvest such as rambutan tree, vanilla, seasons each year and this will through promoting a sustainable agriculture system. The program of “kuda rai ho sistema integradu”, is also a positive step in changing the attitudes and mentality of young people (students) towards agriculture. Agricultural education at universities has not reflected the real needs of the majority of Timorese subsistence farmers. The sustainable agriculture practice of the UNAER model makes students feel proud as agents in social transformation and this makes themselves proud as an integral part of the process of change in which they Young farmer John Soares ready to start the agroforestry Coffee Production in Maudio, Ermera.. tree planting on the Hatulia Manu Sae community base. are active participants. They are (Photo: APHEDA)

VOZ TIMOR / 29 IMPROVING ADOLESCENT NUTRITION JEANNIE REA Students enjoy a meal at the UNTL-VU Conference (Photo: Katrina Gubbins)

ne quarter of Timor Leste’s data was telling a worrying story. across four municipalities, Over eighty per cent regularly do for high value food like meat. include information, while young Opopulation are aged between They reported that amongst the researchers found some not eat breakfast, not because Young women already felt the people only had limited television 10 and 19 years of age. After the school-based students (13-17yo), predictable, but also surprising there is a lack of nutritious food pressure to have many children, and radio access or interest, and critical first thousand days after 22% were underweight, 4% behaviours and attitudes. at home, but like teenagers the and also recognised that they did not want Facebook used for birth, the teenage years are the overweight – and 11% reported world over, they get up too late. would have limited agency in health information. Girls also The adolescents consulted second window of opportunity that they were hungry all the making household spending and reported that they relied on were found to eat 3-4 meals a Students were aware that the to improve nutritional status time. Nearly 22% of girls 15-19 choices around school are other decisions unless there advice from their mothers. during rapid brain development, year olds are anaemic and there day including snacks, but these nutritionally poor but boys, was change in gender equality The outcomes of this project according to researchers speaking is a 7% pregnancy rate. One involved low nutritional value particularly, did not want to be attitudes. include recommending nutrition at the VU-UNTL conference. quarter of 15-19 year olds are not products bought to and from seen bringing food from home, Therefore, as future parents sessions in schools with at school and 13% of 10-14 year school including chips and sugary even though they admitted to and for their own good, it is government and NGO partners Acacia Armento and Namibia olds. (2015 Census) drinks, although they also bought Barito wanted to find out what is milk and water. The students preferring homemade food. important to improve young – and a special edition of Lafaek influencing adolescents in their After surveying, interviewing reported that they would like to There were clear messages to people’s knowledge, attitudes on adolescent health which came food choices because the health and talking with young people eat more meat and fish and fruit. promote to change behaviours and behaviours targeting their out in December 2019. – including making the time to influencers and including young Jeannie Rea is an Associate people themselves. Young person and an adult talking over food (Photo: To’os ba Moris Di’ak – TOMAK) have breakfast at home, to eat Professor and Chair International more protein and iron-rich foods, Armento and Barito looked to Community Development, VU. to choose healthier snacks and ways to influence young people’s to eat the more nutritionally food choices. They ascertained See the full report here: balanced traditional foods. The that students trusted health http://tomak.org/wp-content/ researchers noted that there providers and wanted them to uploads/2019/02/Adolescent- were actions for young people come to schools. Lafaek magazine Formative-Research_English-Full- themselves, but also families had strong brand recognition and web-res.pdf in making these changes – and so was seen as a good place to noted was a role for grandmothers as local food promoters. High school students aspired to professional jobs, were adamant in wWanting to marry later, around 23-25 years, and have only two children, so they can provide their children with more opportunities. Young people were very conscious of expected gender roles, including that men and boys have priority over girls Young people in a classroom. Photo: World Food Programme (WFP)

VOZ TIMOR / 31 are not necessarily widely known nor evaluated. There was a call for a meta-analysis of existing YOUTH PERSPECTIVES ON research on agriculture. The capacity to work together and transfer good models and PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE skills was discussed. With a number of representatives of DEVELOPMENT IN TIMOR-LESTE Australian friendship groups present, as well as the Timorese students, participants shared ACTING UPON THE UNTL-VU CONFERENCE RECOMMENDATIONS their knowledge of examples of successful ventures from seminar at Victoria University - Work, the informal economy and would be demonstrated in primary production to distribution Ain December 2019 gathered sustainable communities increasing the proportion of the and marketing. These stories together student and youth - Gender equality and budget allocated to agricultural demonstrated the need for Student journalists interviewing Dr Aurelio Guterres, representatives, academics reproductive health. development. greater communication and were former Rector of UNTL, at the UNTL-VU conference 2019 and community activists to a call to ensure that actions and (Photo: Katrina Gubbins) Practically though the school explore how we can support Starting with a panel on each projects can be better connected curriculum can increase the status our Timorese friends and theme of expert contributors and more productive in providing of agricultural work by facilitating colleagues in implementing the including academics, field support for, rather than replacing was agreed that widespread study such as researching access critical thinking, but also recommendations of the UNTL- researchers and activists, and all or duplicating local initiatives. clean drinking water is a priority, for people with disabilities. including a Timorese student, the through practical opportunities and this means improving VU biennial conference held in Dili In this group a concrete focus back in July 2019. groups soon moved into focussed from field work experience to In-country university student maintenance and education conversations drawing upon expanding school gardens into associations and youth groups around the use of filters at source was directed at VU to step up on The focus was upon supporting the experiences and ideas of all secondary schools. The group could be better involved and in the home, of rainwater dialogue and projects between proposals for action from the participants. proposed a stronger focus too. Youth representatives tanks including managing engineers and health scientists perspectives of young people upon re-connecting across the emphasised that youth need to mosquitos, and of piped water, as and university students and graduates; as well liaising from as that was the theme of the ENGAGING YOUTH IN generations through school and be acknowledged and involved well as education about hygiene July conference, which was home gardens, cooking nutritious including at the municipal and less wasteful usage. national to community level on also framed around key SDGs AGRICULTURE AND GOOD meals and learning more about government level, where local key issues and strategies that can (Sustainable Development Goals). NUTRITION the value of good nutrition for agricultural leadership should be Water and sanitation have been be popularised. Friendship group Timor-Leste students studying in Recognising that, on leaving individual and community health. situated. an ongoing issue, with widespread representatives spoke of projects Melbourne played a strong role school, many young people Popularising an understanding of initiatives falling into dis-use both that have come and gone, and in the seminar in both advocating have negative views about agricultural practices as science of facilities and of education current practical work. They and EDUCATION FOR A HEALTHY for maintenance and safe and the students again emphasised actions and responding to living in rural areas and working requiring education would help in POPULATION proposals for support. in agriculture, the focus of increasing the status too. responsible usage. the need for improved discussion at the conference The focus of this group was dissemination and sharing of Organised by Dr Ann Research in agriculture is a focus Of particular concern is the lack and this follow-up seminar was almost exclusively on water and experience and ideas. Training Wigglesworth and facilitated by at the tertiary level, but some of facilities in most schools. The upon how to increase the appeal sanitation. While other issues of and supporting young people as Kerry O’Neill, the seminar broke argued that there is a need to call was to government to spend of agricultural work. Agricultural road accidents and drug use were advocates in their schools and into groups to explore the four explore a sustainable rather than more on WASH (Water, Sanitation work continues to be associated on the agenda, the conversation communities was also part of the key themes, which had emerged the productivity model for family and Hygiene) initiatives – and in with poverty and remuneration kept returning to the lack of clean conversation. as priorities from the UNTL-VU and community farming. While a coordinated plan. In addition, is very low. Therefore, even and drinkable water. biennial conference. These were: there are good and successful inclusive approaches are needed And back on the road accidents: before getting into proposals to initiatives in new methods such Acceptance of poor quality with tertiary students– and there was a practical proposal - Engaging youth in agriculture increase the interest of young as ‘conservation agriculture’, drinking water is also contributing encouraging students into careers and good nutrition people there was a strong including permaculture to the non-sustainable preference with scholarships for further - Education for a healthy consensus that the government cont. on next page approaches amongst NGOs, these for expensive bottled water. It population has to provide leadership, which VOZ TIMOR / 33 cont. from previous page to discuss with the Victorian an antagonistic approach, for offer democratic structures government about road safety example moving on street traders, and directly involve members in policy and campaigns, training and giving an impression that ‘little decision-making. mentoring. development’ is not supported compared to formal or ‘big GENDER EQUALITY AND WORK, THE INFORMAL development’. It was argued that REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH ECONOMY AND SUSTAINABLE there is a lack of infrastructure investment to support informal Taking up the conference COMMUNITIES economy enterprises, as basic prioritising of addressing the This group agreed that the as roads and marketplaces to adverse consequences of early informal economy comprises communication technology. marriage and early pregnancy, networks of workers and this group was adamant that producers with no contracts or As emphasised in the discussion changes in attitudes are needed legal recognition such as street in the other groups, there is as much as in behaviour. Young vendors and waste pickers, as well no lack of initiatives and good people, and especially girls and as those organised and legally models, but a lack of ongoing women, must stop being ‘blamed’ recognised in non-traditional support for creating the for early pregnancy. This means cooperatives and social conditions for sustainability – and education about reproductive enterprises. sharing of knowledge and skills. health, but also cultural change from pressure on young couples Cooperatives should be Being such a large and diverse to start having children. part of the economy and people‘s popularised, it was argued, as lives, much greater focus needs they can create an advantage Cultural and religious practices Photo: Katrina Gubbins to be directed by government, that supports sustainability, and norms are highly respected, both national and municipal, and community engagement, but are a barrier to gender towards supporting the informal both through making loans equality, argued young people Education was argued as vital too The sessions on gender equality practical priorities and are calling economy and encouraging small to members and working and their supporters. The voices in teaching young people both and girls’ and women’s rights to be listened too as they seek to enterprises. Instead, it was noted, together on production of young people must be heard, how to manage their own lives were the most popular at the craft the future of their country. that the government has taken methods and distribution but young people are wary of and decision making, but also Conference, particularly with systems. Cooperatives also speaking out on these sensitive to assert their rights. Girls are young women. Young men also The climate emergency has matters and being criticised and particularly disadvantaged, but participated respectfully listening focused the attention of dismissed. Again it was argued importantly, boys and young men to the women. Their behaviour youth around the world, who that there is a responsibility of also need education to support gives hope for change too in the are demanding action by schools to include reproductive making different decisions about next generation. Most notable governments and business, but health in the curriculum; and masculine norms of attitudes and though was the leadership are also implementing immediate teachers must be trained to behaviour. demonstrated, and insisted upon changes to the ways they could deliver this curriculum effectively. by young women across all the live their lives more sustainably. There are learning packages for topics and issues addressed at The youth of Timor-Leste are part Women’s health remains a youth organisations, e.g. Ba Futura of this global youth movement background issue and particularly the Conference and in this follow- have a YouTube film Healthy up seminar. for change. They are clear reproductive health, with young relationships in Timor-Leste. sighted about the need to make unmarried mothers usually Young women representatives change now, and they should be excluded from school, and yet also want leadership training CONCLUSION supported. girls and young women are to support their participation This report demonstrates that wary of being seen seeking in municipal councils, which are there are many opportunities Report compiled by Jeannie Rea reproductive health information. still male dominated. It was also for the education sector to and Dr Ann Wigglesworth. Teenage pregnancy is often pointed out that NGOs are also continue to increase its role in physically risky, and also cuts off often male dominated and too the development of Timor-Leste. study and job opportunities. accepting of traditional cultural Current students and young Photo: Katrina Gubbins mores. graduates have many ideas about VOZ TIMOR / 35 A CONVERSTION WITH STUDENTS AND YOUTH LEADERS INTERVIEWS BY GIZELA DA CRUZ DE CARVALHO

CELIA LOPES FROM CONSELHO NATIONAL balance in the conference. People Imelda observed the following JUVENTUDE TIMOR-LESTE (NATIONAL need to achieve the SDGs to during the conference: YOUTH COUNCIL) the maximum to address these • In the Health sector, it is Celia commented that the issues” she concluded. important to raise awareness conference was important and provide training across because it related to the VANIA GRACA COSTA FROM ST IGNATIOUS the country to prevent the reality of Timor-Leste’s national OF LOYOLA COLLEGE IN CASAIT, LIQUICA transmission of diseases in the development. TIMOR- LESTE. sub-municipalities Vania was selected as a student “It is very significant that the • To protect our Environment, representative of the college, and conference has focused on issues there must be awareness had a chat to Gizela during the related to young women and girl raising so people do not cut conference: and the SDGs. There are many down trees, and communities must be supported to plant areas we need development.” This conference helps young mangroves at the beach. people know what the SDGs are This includes: and participate, because the • There is still hunger and need • Ending violence and sexual SDGs encourage to not leave for better nutrition. More abuse of women and girls anyone behind. support is needed for the • End hunger agriculture sector. It has given the opportunity for • End discrimination of the • Mostly Timorese consume Interview with Celia Lopez, young people to participate and National Youth Council. LGBTQI community imported products, and there raise their ideas. There are many is no regulation for the price of • Raise awareness about the presenters from various levels vulnerability of women and food in the market. We need to such as government, civil society, love our local products. girls with a disability. and the United Nations. • Support people with a • There is little employment so many young people are disability through access to I attended a session about Peace Gizela de Carvalho interviewing Vania Graca Costa. the public defender in the and Justice for Women and Girls, unemployed courts. and will share the information to men than to women. We need IMELDA, A UNTL STUDENT • There is a lack of food security with other friends at my college. to change the behaviour of men REPRESENTATIVE AND ALSO “Step by step we will achieve who think that women’s role is in REPRESENTATIVE FROM ATLETA, A Gizela Da Cruz De Gender inequality is an issue development, but it should the domestic arena. WOMEN’S SPORTS ORGANISATION IN Carvalho recently completed include everybody, not leaving in Timor-Leste. I am very TIMOR-LESTE. her Masters in International happy to hear the efforts to I am so happy to attend this Community Development at anyone behind.” “I wanted to attend this address gender inequality and conference to enhance my Victoria University (VU) and is conference to learn about what “I am happy that this conference raise the dignity of women knowledge and understanding the founder of local women’s are the SDGs and how it can help provided an open platform which is supported by the about the SDGs and participate in organisation, Fundasaun Feto iha young people.” for young people to learn and UN in collaboration with the the discussions on gender, peace, Kbiit Servisu Hamutuk (FFKSH). express their ideas and issues, government. We know that in and justice. and that there was good gender Timor-Leste we give more value

VOZ TIMOR / 37 like refrigerators, television, motorbikes, cars and phones; and more resources to establish a family business. LABOUR MIGRATION Cesario, a Baucau man shared his experiences of working in a Northern Ireland meat factory for FOR DECENT WORK nine years. He went to UK in 2009 because the money he could DR ANN WIGGLESWORTH earn as a nurse in Baucau hospital was insufficient to support and educate his family. He stayed abour migration has made a big supported by remittances from of labour migration. He was there until his family’s economic Limpact on the rural economy workers, half of whom are living in motivated to do the research needs were met, even though of Timor-Leste. Remittances sent the UK2. because so many members of his that was longer than he originally home by migrant workers are family and his community were intended. But living and working now the largest source of foreign working overseas to support their HELPING FAMILIES GET AHEAD within the Timorese community Cesario (far right) and his family. (Photo: Dr Ann Wigglesworth) revenue after oil1, and exceed families. Joviano Salves Reis, a young in Dungannon he never became the value of coffee, Timor-Leste’s Lautem man, presented his proficient in English. major export. He interviewed 329 individuals A young man spoke of his journey To maximise the economic research on the impact of who had family members working He described the sacrifices that from living on the streets to benefits from migrant work A November 2016 survey found migration on local communities at in the UK from Lautem district. the workers made due to their entrepreneurship. He got a lucky the high cost of receiving that 19% of respondents had this year’s VU-UNTL conference He found a positive impact on isolation from Timor-Leste. This break in the form of a job as a international transfers into the family members living and working in a session focused on Decent family wellbeing through home isolation was compounded by barista. He learnt a lot about country should be reduced outside of Timor-Leste, so almost Work (SDG 8). His paper focused improvements; greater access the unwillingness of the Timorese coffee and was fortunate to by government regulation of one in five Timorese families are upon the costs and benefits to major consumer goods embassy to recognise them go to Bali and Japan to learn the banks. In light of migrants’ because they had arrived in the more about coffee quality. His contributions to the family UK on Portuguese passports. But extended family had a coffee farm wellbeing and the local economy he is proud that he could provide and so he planned to set up a being high, it was felt that adequately for his family, and now coffee bean processing business government should better he has returned to live with his using improved technology he support its overseas workers, family and they are content with had learned about. The SWP especially in UK from where half what they have. gave him the opportunity to the remittances are derived. earn money to start his business. Dr Ann Wigglesworth is a YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS Last year he exported a tonne of specialist in social development Conference delegates also coffee, but he plans to raise that and an Honorary Fellow, heard from two returnees from to 30 tonnes a year in future. College of Arts and Education Australia’s Seasonal Workers at Victoria University. Program (SWP). A young woman OVERTURNING STEREOTYPES who attended a ‘start up’ training The stereotype about migration REFERENCES at Knua Joventude for young being bad and leading to 1. Richard Curtain (2018), Timor-Leste entrepreneurs, wanted to start a exploitation was raised in the remittances update DevPolicy, coffee stall in Dili. As she lacked discussion. In contrast, the 29 March 2018 the finance to do so, she applied migrant workers have got good 2. IRI (2016) ‘National Survey of Public to the SWP. After one season in incomes and their families have Opinion’, Centre for Insights in Survey Australia she had enough money benefited from overseas work. Research, International Republican to start her business, and was It was suggested that negative Institute, November 2016 serving excellent coffee at an stereotypes about labour Farmland between the Baucau and Viqueque districts. (Photo: Dr Ann Wigglesworth) event before the conference. migration must be overturned. VOZ TIMOR / 39 Sources and Methods workshop As in previous years, the TLSA themes will include a focus on was held at CNC on the Saturday will produce a multi-language the 30-year anniversary of the following the 2-day conference. publication of conference Santa Cruz Massacre. As ever, proceedings. The proceedings the TLSA hopes to continue CONFERENCE REPORT: As with previous conferences, will be funded from the remaining its contribution to the research UNTL was the host and major registration fees and sponsor culture of Timor-Leste and to UNDERSTANDING TIMOR-LESTE 2019 co-sponsor of the conference, donations, and distributed free building a thriving association, providing venues, staff time, of charge to Timorese tertiary both within Timor-Leste and and logistical support. TLSA institutions, libraries and reading internationally. To this end, THE 7TH TIMOR-LESTE STUDIES ASSOCIATION (TLSA) conferences would not have rooms, and to all contributing we continue to welcome and been possible without UNTL’s authors. The proceedings will be encourage the development of CONFERENCE, LICEU CAMPUS, UNIVERSIDADE NACIONAL TIMOR partnership and support, and peer-reviewed and are expected new ‘chapters’ of the TLSA in all particular thanks are due to the to be published early in 2020. parts of the world. LOROSA’E (UNTL), DILI, 27–28 JUNE 2019 Rector, Professor Francisco Miguel Martins. We also thank Swinburne Following on from the first TLSA To find out more, visit DR MICHAEL LEACH University of Technology and conference in Brazil in 2018, the https://tlstudies.org the University of Lisbon for TLSA now looks forward to the Dr Michael Leach is Professor he 7th Timor-Leste Studies all aspects of research into registrants. Some 270 people their active contributions, and first ever TLSA conference in acknowledge La’o Hamutuk Portugal in 2020, followed by the in Politics and International TAssociation (TLSA) East Timorese society, including were in attendance, two thirds Relations at Swinburne conference, held 27–28 June politics and history, economics, of whom were East Timorese and the Australian Embassy, regular biennial conference in Dili which both generously hosted in 2021, where the conference University and convenor of the in Dili, represented the 10th communications, health, language, researchers and students. TSLA conference. anniversary of our first conference agriculture and science’. receptions. We also thank Victoria in Dili in 2009. The 2019 conference also saw University for their collaboration, Far more significant special streams on “1999: 20 which included offering The TLSA was founded in developments would follow in Years On”, convened by Clinton discounted joint registration fees June 2005 by Helen Hill and July 2009, with the first of our Fernandes and Mica Barreto for the two conferences in Dili and Michael Leach, with the support biannual TLSA conferences Soares; “Gender Research in shared events. The conference of a group of East Timorese at the National University of Timor-Leste”, convened by also included a presentation and and Australian scholars who Timor Lorosa’e (UNTL) in Dili. In Hannah Loney and Uka Pinto; cocktail function hosted by the attended a symposium at Victoria a multi-language format which “Agriculture”, convened by new Global Campus of Human University, Melbourne. The respected and reflected the Claudino Nabais and Robert Rights at UNTL. organisation was launched as an official and working languages of Williams; and two panels on ‘interdisciplinary, international the Democratic Republic of Timor- “Decolonising Knowledge”, Program highlights including research network focussed on Leste, East Timorese researchers organised by Josh Trindade. Full twelve papers on the theme were joined by international details of the 2019 program can of 1999, a strong turnout of delegates from around the be found here. gender researchers, and a record globe to present papers in Tetun, number of papers on agricultural Portuguese, Indonesian and The opening session included a research, two thirds of which were English. welcome by Professor Michael presented in Tetun. The Tetun and Leach for the TLSA, an opening Portuguese language streams The 2019 the organising address by Professor Eduardo remained strong in 2019, with committee of Dulce da Silva and Aniceto Serrão, Pro-Rector a full conference program that Leo Soares (Tetun), Nuno Canas International at UNTL, and a included films and book launches. Mendes (Portuguese), Steven sponsor’s address by Dra. Alzira Farram (English), Hannah Loney, Reis, Centro Nacional Chega! Notable was the visit from the Uka Pinto, Clinton Fernandes, Mica (CNC). Reflecting the focus Minister for State Administration, Barreto Soares, Robert Williams, on 1999, CNC was a generous who chose the TLSA conference Claudino Nabais and Michael sponsor and supporter of this as the venue to announce the new government agenda of full Timor- Leste Studies Association Conference, Dili, 2019. Leach, welcomed a record number year’s conference. A well- (Photo: Jeannie Rea) municipalisation by 2022. Professor Michael Leach. of presenters and conference attended workshop on Historical VOZ TIMOR / 41 HELEN HILL AND THE TIMOR-LESTE SPECIAL COLLECTION The Collection was augmented This is listed in library records to JENNIFER MURPHY & MEG WELLER in rare and research quality items have included 104 monographs SPECIAL COLLECTIONS LIBRARIANS from the VU library general and 24 pamphlets as well as VICTORIA UNIVERSITY LIBRARY collections and continues to grow DVDs, calendars, newspapers, and by donations from personal and journal issues. ictoria University Library organisational collections. Here is a story about the impact developed a Timor-Leste V The Collection features a range of one of the more unique items Special Collection beginning with of monographs, reports, journals, which was part of Dr Hill’s 2014 an initial donation from the Oxfam newsletters, yearbooks and donation. In 2019 librarians at Australia Library in March 2012. pamphlets that focus chiefly on the National Library of Australia Timor-Leste as an independent contacted VU Library Special nation, but also cover the times Collections regarding copies of occupation by other countries. of the historic East Timorese The collection’s strengths are newspaper ‘A Voz de Timor’ economics, development and (‘The Voice of Timor’), held in trade, politics, governance and our Timor-Leste collection. The administration, education, culture, NLA’s Digitisation and Document society and history. Delivery Branch were working on digitising ‘A Voz de Timor’ One of the major donors of and were missing a few issues material to the Timor-Leste that they hoped we might have. Collection has been Dr Helen Victoria University library had 9 Hill who over many years issues donated by Helen in 2014. donated material for the general We were able to provide two of collections at City Flinders, the missing issues from 1975. Footscray Park and St Albans In fact, when retrieving the two campuses, and then to the Timor- newspapers, we discovered that Leste Collection from when it was one had a special supplement Dr Helen Hill presented the Vice developed in 2012. Of particular that the NLA did not know about, Special Collections Librarian, Meg Well, Deputy Rector, Professor Eduardo Aniceto Serrão, Chancellor’s Award for Service for her significance was the donation of so they requested we send that Manager of Campus Libraries, Garry Potter and Rector of UNTL, Dr. Francisco Martins, work on Timor-Leste by Professor Peter Dr Helen Hill’s research collection as well. visiting the VU Special Collections. Dawkins in November 2011. on Timor-Leste received in 2014. cont. on next page VOZ TIMOR / 43 cont. from previous page

The Collection contains many television off-air video recordings from the years before streaming and on-demand television. The Library is looking at ways to preserve this content and make it available in a more accessible format.

Pamphlets are publications, usually with only a few pages, that convey information on a single subject. The Collection contains many pamphlets which were donated by Dr Helen Hill.

The National Library arranged for now be viewed through the VU the newspapers to be couriered Research Repository, together to Canberra and back, where they with a selection of digitised were digitised and uploaded to reports and discussion papers Trove. The newspaper issues are from the Timor-Leste Collection. available on Trove for anyone to Dr Helen Hill was part of this read, (they are in Portuguese), project team. along with others sourced from the NLA’s collection and The Collection is a lot richer in the collection held by CHART content through the involvement (Clearing House for Archival of Dr Helen Hill and the library Records on Timor) among others. thanks her for her past and If you are interested in having a ongoing donations to the Timor- look at the entry on Trove, you Leste Collection. Information will find it here:https://trove.nla. about the Timor-Leste Collection gov.au/newspaper/title/1498. can be found on the Library website or the Special Collections CHART was also involved in a Guide. Researchers from Victoria digitisation project with Victoria University and other institutions University in 2014-2015 to make are welcome to contact the two significant print publications Special Collections librarians These issues of the Dili Weekly from the Collection are the only copies listed in an available online. These were Tapol by email Australian Library. Bulletin and Timor Link which can [email protected] VOZ TIMOR / 45