We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
SUPPORTING THE CHILDREN OF EAST TIMOR.
- Authors
Sanson, Ann
- Abstract
In March this year, the article author revisited East Timor, helping with the work of an international non-government organisation which supports disadvantaged children. She first visited East Timor as one of a team of psychosocial consultants for Christian Children's Fund (CCF) in October 1999, just after the violence. Her and her colleagues' task was to help develop programs to meet the needs of children and families and to train local staff to undertake this work. At that time, there was not one public building left undamaged, not one school, not one shop or restaurant. Eighty per cent of homes were destroyed. The only vehicles were the new four wheel drives being brought in by non-government organisations and United Nations agencies, and military vehicles. Obtaining food and fuel was a time-consuming challenge for the privileged few who could access them at all. The author and her colleagues slept under mosquito nets on the floor of a partially destroyed school, and shared the army rations of the Portuguese Bombeiros (firemen). They were deeply concerned for their children's welfare. Already they were making efforts to rebuild their lives, and they were immensely grateful to the international community, especially Australia, for coming to their aid.
- Subjects
TIMOR-Leste; INTERNATIONAL cooperation on child welfare; POOR youth; REHABILITATION; CHILD services; NONGOVERNMENTAL organizations
- Publication
Family Matters, 2001, Issue 58, p72
- ISSN
1030-2646
- Publication type
Article