Community Mobilization for Poverty Reduction Social Inclusion and Service Delivery

Decades of violent conflict and civil unrest had destroyed much of the country’s infrastructure and economy and led to the deaths of more than 100,000 people when Timor-Leste gained independence in 2002. While significant gains had been made towards consolidating peace and development during the first years of independence, the people of Timor-Leste still faced serious human security challenges. Threats to people’s survival, livelihood and dignity were most pronounced in rural areas where underdevelopment in the agricultural sector as well as limited access to basic social services continued to hamper peacebuilding and development efforts.

Through a comprehensive human security response, the programme aims to protect and empower vulnerable people by reducing extreme poverty and promoting social inclusion in the delivery of basic services. With specific focus on female farmers, widows, unemployed youth, returning IDPs, and food insecure people in the districts of Ermera and Oecusse, the programme seeks to: (i) facilitate income generation and improve food security through community mobilization and development; (ii) increase participation of children and out-of-school youth in educational activities; (iii) raise awareness of maternal and child health; and (iv) develop the capacity of service providers in the planning and delivery of basic services including water, sanitation, primary health care and hygiene.

KEY MATERIALS
Programme Summary