We have taken on a sponsorship for Monica from Timor-Leste (a country in Southeast Asia). The sponsorships ensure children a good school education and a safe environment – building blocks for a better future and good chances in life.

Monica´s Family

Monica does not live with her parents because her parents have moved away. Monica’s grandmother takes care of her. Monica’s grandfather also lives with the family. In this country, many children live in extended families.

Housing conditions and health

Monica’s family lives in a house made of cement blocks with a metal roof and a cement floor. The family uses wood for cooking.

Access to

Water: The family gets most of its water from a public water supply. It takes them less than an hour to fetch water.

Sanitation: The family uses a simple flush toilet.

Health facilities: The nearest health facility is less than an hour away. Monica has received all the basic vaccinations. According to the family, Monica is healthy and has no serious illness.

Welcome to Timor-Leste

Timor-Leste, also known as East Timor, is a country in Southeast Asia. There are two official languages: Portuguese and Tetum. The country was colonised by Portugal in the 16th century and declared independence in 1975. Nine days later, the Indonesian army invaded and occupied the country. In 2002, Timor-Leste gained independence, becoming the first new sovereign state of the 21st century. The people of Timor-Leste often call their country Timor Lorosa’e. Lorosa’e means ‘rising sun’.

The Ainaro project area

Ainaro is located in the central highlands of Timor-Leste. Mountains, highlands and valleys characterise the landscape. The people live mainly from rice cultivation, but they also grow cassava, maize, beans and potatoes. The people of Ainaro are proud of their unique culture. The region offers a wide variety of dishes influenced by Portuguese and Indonesian cuisine. Important seasonal rituals are associated with the maize and rice harvest. All family members participate in the harvest festival and receive the blessings of their ancestors. Due to its geographical location, Timor-Leste is prone to natural disasters such as floods, tsunamis and landslides. The lack of clean drinking water means that the inhabitants, especially the children, are often affected by disease and hunger.

Plans to improve the lives of children

67% OF THE GIRLS HAVE EXPERIENCED PHYSICAL VIOLENCE                                

61% OF HOUSEHOLDS HAVE ACCESS TO CLEAN WATER            

58% OF THE CHILDREN ARE RETARDED IN THEIR DEVELOPMENT                                                                                                 

Improving nutrition

Many children are impaired in their growth and development, mainly due to inadequate nutrition. This has long-term consequences, for example for cognitive development. It also increases the likelihood of chronic diseases. Timor-Leste has the highest rate of growth retardation in Asia. Plan International supports government initiatives to improve maternal and child nutrition. Community health programmes have a significant impact on mother-child health and help families address malnutrition.

Strengthen families

Many children in Ainaro are exposed to violence and abuse at home or in the community. Community education programmes address the issues of anger management and domestic violence. This enables parents to model positive behaviour to their children and break the cycle of abuse.

Initiatives for clean water

Many people in Ainaro do not have access to clean water. Others are unaware of the link between contaminated water and disease. Plan International works with schools to provide clean latrines, hand-washing stations and water purification systems. Families learn more about safe food preparation, hand washing and menstrual hygiene. This enables them to guide their communities in creating a healthy environment.

Prevention of Domestic Violence

Women have a low social status in Ainaro. Many girls marry early and domestic violence is still widespread. It is widely accepted in society. We work with the communities to address these social problems. In schools, girls and boys are taught that violence is not acceptable. Students learn how to work together for gender equality.

Your contribution changes lives

With your support, we will continue to protect children’s rights so that children can thrive.

  • In the coming year, we will continue to empower girls and young women. We will enable them to participate in official decision-making processes and increase their self-confidence.

  • We will help parents develop good parenting skills to care for and protect their children. We will also focus on supporting families in the areas of nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene.

  • We will increase awareness and resilience so that families can prevent and respond to risks from natural hazards, including risks caused by climate change.

  • We will advocate for children’s rights at the national level through continued partnership with the First Lady of Timor-Leste. Initiatives will focus on ending child marriages, increasing youth employment and providing information and resources on health and child protection.

These are just some of the many ways your support will continue to impact the lives of our sponsored child and other children in Ainaro.