From the Director:
Empowering the Community
Since our beginnings in 2004, the team at Belun has continually strived to realize the betterment of Timor-Leste society. This year has proven no different. Underpinned by our strategic pillars of Community Capacity Development, Conflict Prevention and Research and Policy Development, Belun has again realized successful expansion into each of these areas.
This year the team has sought to empower the communities of Timor-Leste through the most extensive outreach program across the country. Collaboration with local authorities, local NGOs and community groups has enabled the continued strengthening of local governance and the civil society sector and once again enacted Belun’s responsibility toward the development of both the people and the nation.
Efforts have comprised areas including strengthening property rights, community development capacity, food security and conflict prevention – including the successful facilitation of numerous peace building activities through traditional justice, community dialogues and dispute mediation. This work toward intra-community capacity building has provided much needed support to communities in all 13 districts of Timor-Leste.
As we at Belun look towards the elections next year and beyond, we see much opportunity for the development of our programs, both existing and new. With the generous support of our donors and partner organizations, our commitment to serve communities within Timor-Leste, develop partner organizational capacity, reduce tension and prevent conflict across the country remains steadfast.