VSA in Timor-Leste

VSA volunteer profiles

Tanya Wilkinson – Marketing Adviser, Dili

Tanya Wilkinson is a Marketing Adviser, working at Hamahon Feto Timor, Timor-Leste. She completes her assignment in February 2013. View Profile

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About Timor Leste

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There are approximately one million people living in Timor-Leste (formerly known as East Timor) which is located on the eastern island of Timor. The country has suffered a violent history through decades of struggle for independence from Indonesia.The United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) continues to support the Timorese Government to build the new nation.

Timor-Leste is a conservative, largely traditional culture with strong Christian values. Elders and church and community leaders have very high status in the community. 

Economy

Approximately 75 per cent of the population live in rural areas and practice subsistence agriculture. Timor-Leste’s offshore natural gas and oil reserves provide the majority of Government funds. Coffee is the main private sector export commodity, while aid money continues to support the development of infrastructure and buildings.

Development challenges

The challenges for economic development are many; the need to stimulate economic growth even though there is very high unemployment especially in youth.  For education, the numbers of children enrolled in all levels of schooling are low and the high birth rate will soon put pressure on an already struggling education system.  Rehousing of families displaced during the 2006 to 2007 crisis, as well as food security, provide key challenges for social development. 

Living and working in Timor-Leste

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Language and culture

VSA assignments usually last two years, so local language training is important. We provide a three-week Tetun language training course at the start of assignments and follow up training if necessary.

Understanding local customs is vital to a successful assignment. In Timor-Leste there is great importance placed on greetings and first impressions. It’s important to remember to engage in ‘small talk’ before getting down to business.  Try to avoid negative statements and don’t make people lose face. Under no circumstances should you criticise or correct someone in front of a group – it would be more appropriate and acceptable if you were to do this in private.

Housing and living conditions

We provide our volunteers with basic, furnished accommodation.

In Dili, you will have access to power although electricity supply can be erratic. The town water supply is either pumped from the mountains or from local wells. Neither source is entirely reliable. All houses have an Asian water container (called a mandi) for non-supply periods. Mains water supply is not recommended for drinking so boil water, use a purifier or drink bottled water.

Dress standards

Timor-Leste is a conservative country and some western style clothing is not appropriate. Loose-fitting, light, cotton clothing is best. For men choose long pants, and short- sleeved shirts for work.  For women, dresses, skirts and short-sleeved shirts are commonly worn in work situations.  Revealing clothing should not be worn in public places including churches and markets.

Health

Malaria is endemic in the majority of Timor-Leste and all volunteers must use malarial prophylaxis. Other precautions are still recommended, such as insect repellent and long sleeves / trousers in the evening if outside and a mosquito net if you are staying in villages.  Dengue Fever is also present.  Skin infections can develop quickly so have a good supply of plasters, antibiotic cream and antibiotics. Medical and dental facilities are limited; expatriates generally go to the Australia Embassy Clinic or the Dili National Hospital.  Health care is basic and you’ll need to be responsible for managing your own health while on assignment.

Safety

We provide all selected volunteers with a thorough security briefing prior to departure and specific local issues are covered during in-country orientation. Despite the generally stable situation in Timor-Leste, security incidents do occur and you should maintain a level of personal security awareness as you go about.

Banking and finances

The main commercial bank in Dili is the ANZ Bank. We open a local US dollar bank account for all volunteers on arrival in Timor-Leste where monthly living allowances are paid into.  The bank operates various ATMs in Dili, and some are accessible 24 hours. ATMs are subject to occasional downtimes. When they are offline, cash can be obtained from the bank but only out of a local account or from Visa/Mastercard credit cards. Local currency is the US dollar with Timorese coins. Visit XE.com  for current exchange rates.

Cell phones and email

Cellular phones have pretty good coverage in and around Dili and this is extending slowly into the rest of Timor-Leste. Landlines are not common but can be used for both local and international calls.

Internet connections can be slow compared to New Zealand.  There are a number of internet cafes in Dili with access to broadband. If you have your own laptop you can also access Skype. Internet access is more limited outside Dili.