Into the district

Yesterday we made our first trip out of Dili, to the nearby district of Ermera. It took us about 3 hours to get there. While it's not far on the map, it is in the mountains. The roads are slowly ascending switchbacks. Washed out roads, dramatic vistas, wide valleys, and two complete changes in vegetation were all part of the journey. We noted wild coffee trees at the edge of the road, corn being grown on steep hills, and small patches of gourds and vegetables being grown wherever possible. Much of the time our truck was only inches from the edge of a steep cliff.

(looking down at a washout from the car window)

And everywhere, we saw people working. Women walking with heavy loads on their heads and backs. Childen colllecting branches of wood that are then carefully stacked by the side of the road to be bought by someone from Dili. People selling vegetables at roadside stalls and central markets. Children carrying heavy water jugs.

RoadsideMarket stall, Ermera

When we reached our destination, we were greeted by about a hundred people. Children did a traditional dance, accompanied on drums by the women, and each of us was presented with a Tais (woven scarf) with our name on it.

The dancers led us to the Centre where our partner FKSH has been working with young women on income-generating projects. It has also been training the young women in public speaking and making presentations.

Welcome to the DandP (DNP) Team

Gisella of FKSH

Two of the young women leaders trained by FKSH in the group's store which sells traditional herbal medicines and handicrafts the young women have made.

Maria Helena Sores, 68, mother of 15, grandmother of 80, town councillor. Eloquently told us that "Since the Indonesian occupation, we really need to buld the country. Our women's group is not young, but we really want to develop our country."