Andrew Smith (past volunteer) – Database Development Trainer at BELUN in Timor-Leste

What Andrew did in Dili

Andrew worked with BELUN, a local NGO set up to minimise regional tensions within Timor-Leste and reduce conflict. His assignment was about sharing information management skills so that two crucial databases for the country (peace and conflict and national databases) could be well maintained. This involved teaching professional information collection, analysis and dissemination skills.

The peace and conflict database monitors conflict within Timor-Leste and identifies associated economic and social conditions, such as availability and access to food (food security), and access to education and health services. The national database records aid-funded projects across Timor-Leste.

Making a positive impact

Andrew’s work was all about sharing his information management skills so that two crucial databases for the country (peace and conflict and national databases) could be well maintained.

Together with his Timorese counterpart, Romaldo, he also identified two other organisations who would benefit from understanding how to use and maintain their databases. This culminated in an 11 week training course with nine students to help participants do just that. Each student left with a certificate and a recognised qualification.

Andrew loved his time in Timor-Leste and of his work commented, “while working with the staff at BELUN, every now and then, I caught a raised eyebrow or a smile of understanding and knew that I had passed a vital piece of knowledge or skill on to a colleague.”

In addition, Andrew also helped set up a registration system and database for a local orphanage his wife Alofa was volunteering with. The orphanage intially had no formal records of the children who lived there.

Andrew’s highlights

“By moving away from the stress of New Zealand’s corporate world and approaching problems in a more localised manner, I managed to obtain a high degree of satisfaction within my role. Most of all, knowing that the work I did is helping to build a nation is highly rewarding.”

What Timor-Leste has taught Andrew

“Patience, patience, patience.”

“I now understand that the building of a nation takes generations. While I had often said that ‘Rome wasn’t built in a day’ I now understand the statement to mean much more than I ever used to.