Timor-Leste | Nonprofits In Timor-Leste | PWI
About project world impact
Nonprofit Tools
back
nonprofit tools
view all products
fundraising
Auction Crowdfund GroupGive Search Shopping Swipe Text2Give
visibility
Profile Storyteller Shoutout Soapbox Ad Grant Marketing
operations
PWI Charity CRM Convene Stories Formbuilder Resources Support Center Events
Contact pwi
Help

DISCOVER AND LEARN ABOUT

Timor-Leste

Learn About Timor-Leste

Get Educated About Timor-Leste

Summary

With a population of just over 1.3 million people, Timor-Leste is a developing country that has made progress in areas such as healthcare, education, and environmental conservation. The country's economy is based on agriculture, manufacturing, and natural resources, but it also faces challenges related to economic diversification and job creation. Timor-Leste has been working to address issues related to corruption, human rights abuses, and political polarization, while also implementing market-oriented economic reforms to attract more foreign investment and create new opportunities. The country has made strides in recent years towards improving governance, reducing poverty, and promoting sustainable development, and is considered one of the most democratic nations in Southeast Asia. Timor-Leste is also known for its rich cultural heritage and unique traditions, and attracts visitors from around the world who are drawn to its beautiful beaches and rugged landscapes.

Make a Donation

One Time
Monthly
$
Monthly gifts help nonprofits focus on their mission and longterm impact with helping people world wide.
MAKE A DONATION

Timor-Leste Demographics

Demographics

Nationality
Timorese
Population
1,172,390
Ethnic Groups
Languages
Religions

Causes in Timor-Leste

Learn more about specific causes in Timor-Leste that you can get involved in.

Environment
Family
Human Rights
Education
Poverty
Religion
Clean Water
Economy
Government
Health
Children
Animals

Environment

Timor-Leste faces several pressing environmental issues that require attention and sustainable solutions. Deforestation is a significant concern, driven by agricultural expansion, logging, and illegal activities. This leads to the loss of crucial biodiversity, habitat destruction, and soil erosion. The country's rich marine ecosystems are also at risk due to unsustainable fishing practices and overfishing. Climate change impacts, including rising sea levels and changing weather patterns, further exacerbate environmental challenges. Inadequate waste management practices contribute to pollution and improper disposal of plastic waste. Access to clean and reliable energy sources remains limited, with a heavy reliance on biomass and fossil fuels. Addressing these environmental challenges requires the development and implementation of sustainable land-use practices, reforestation efforts, and conservation initiatives. Strengthening marine protected areas, promoting sustainable fishing Read More practices, and raising awareness about the importance of environmental conservation are essential steps toward preserving Timor-Leste's natural resources. Investing in renewable energy sources, improving waste management systems, and integrating climate change adaptation strategies into development plans are crucial for achieving a more sustainable and resilient environment in Timor-Leste. Show Less

Family

Family-related issues in Timor-Leste encompass various challenges that affect the well-being and stability of families. One significant issue is domestic violence, which remains a pervasive problem. Women and children are particularly vulnerable, and cultural norms and limited access to support services can hinder their ability to seek help. Child marriage is also a concern, with a significant number of girls marrying before the legal age, impacting their education, health, and overall development. Economic hardships and poverty further strain families, making it difficult to meet basic needs and provide a nurturing environment for children. Access to quality healthcare, including reproductive health services, is limited, affecting the well-being of mothers and children. Additionally, traditional gender roles and stereotypes can restrict opportunities for women and girls, limiting their Read More autonomy and hindering progress towards gender equality. Addressing these family-related challenges requires comprehensive efforts, including raising awareness about domestic violence, strengthening support services for victims, and enforcing laws against child marriage. Investing in poverty alleviation programs, improving access to healthcare, and promoting gender equality are crucial for fostering healthier and more resilient family dynamics in Timor-Leste. Show Less

Human Rights

Timor-Leste has made significant strides in promoting and protecting human rights since its independence, but challenges remain. One notable issue is the need to strengthen the rule of law and ensure access to justice for all citizens. Delays in the judicial process, limited legal aid services, and a lack of awareness about legal rights hinder individuals' ability to seek redress for human rights violations. Impunity and the need for accountability for past human rights abuses, particularly during the Indonesian occupation, also remain unresolved. Discrimination against vulnerable groups, including women, children, indigenous communities, and those with disabilities, is another concern. Violence against women, including domestic violence and sexual harassment, remains prevalent, highlighting the need for stronger legal frameworks and support services. Additionally, freedom of expression and Read More assembly can face restrictions, impacting the space for civil society and dissenting voices. Upholding human rights in Timor-Leste requires strengthening the justice system, promoting gender equality, addressing discrimination, and ensuring an enabling environment for civil society organizations. The government's commitment to upholding human rights, including addressing past human rights violations, is crucial for fostering a society where all individuals can enjoy their rights and freedoms without discrimination or fear of reprisals. Show Less

Education

Education in Timor-Leste faces numerous challenges that hinder the development of a quality and inclusive education system. One significant issue is the limited access to education, particularly in rural and remote areas. Many schools lack proper infrastructure, qualified teachers, and educational resources. This inequality in access disproportionately affects marginalized groups, including girls, children from low-income families, and those with disabilities. The quality of education is also a concern, with outdated teaching methods, a lack of teacher training and professional development opportunities, and a curriculum that may not adequately meet the needs of students or the demands of the job market. Moreover, high dropout rates, particularly at the secondary level, contribute to limited educational attainment and future opportunities for many students. Addressing these education challenges requires Read More increased investment in education, especially in rural areas, to improve infrastructure, attract and train qualified teachers, and provide access to quality educational materials. Curriculum reforms that promote critical thinking, creativity, and relevant skills are essential. Additionally, strengthening inclusive education practices, expanding early childhood education, and addressing barriers to education for marginalized groups are crucial steps towards ensuring quality education for all in Timor-Leste. Show Less

Poverty

Poverty remains a significant challenge in Timor-Leste, affecting a considerable portion of the population. High levels of poverty are prevalent, particularly in rural areas and among vulnerable groups such as women, children, and the elderly. Limited access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities exacerbate the cycle of poverty. Agricultural productivity is low, hindering rural development and food security. Unequal distribution of wealth, coupled with inadequate social protection programs, further contribute to the persistence of poverty. Addressing poverty in Timor-Leste requires a comprehensive approach that includes improving access to quality education and healthcare, promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth, and expanding social protection programs. Investing in infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, and supporting agriculture and small-scale entrepreneurship are crucial steps towards poverty reduction. Prioritizing social welfare Read More initiatives, empowering marginalized communities, and ensuring equitable distribution of resources are essential for uplifting individuals and families out of poverty in Timor-Leste. Show Less

Religion

Religion in Timor-Leste is predominantly influenced by Catholicism, with a majority of the population adhering to this faith. While the country guarantees religious freedom and respects the diversity of religious beliefs, there have been occasional tensions related to religion. Religious discrimination or intolerance based on different faiths or indigenous belief systems is not widespread, but sporadic incidents have been reported. Moreover, some concerns arise regarding the potential influence of religious organizations on political affairs. Balancing the rights and freedoms of different religious communities while promoting tolerance and mutual respect is crucial for maintaining harmony and social cohesion in Timor-Leste. Emphasizing interfaith dialogue, fostering understanding among diverse religious groups, and upholding the principles of religious freedom and equality are essential for ensuring that religion continues to Read More be a source of peace and unity in the country. Show Less

Clean Water

Timor-Leste faces significant challenges regarding access to clean water. One major issue is the limited availability of safe and reliable drinking water, particularly in rural and remote areas. Many communities lack access to proper sanitation facilities and rely on unsafe water sources, such as rivers, wells, or rainwater collection, which pose risks to health and contribute to waterborne diseases. Inadequate water infrastructure, including the lack of piped water systems and treatment facilities, further exacerbates the problem. Water scarcity is a concern, especially during the dry season, leading to water rationing and increased competition for limited resources. Climate change impacts, including changing rainfall patterns and increased droughts, also strain water availability. Addressing these clean water challenges requires investments in water infrastructure, such as the construction of Read More water treatment plants, pipelines, and storage facilities, to ensure access to safe drinking water. Implementing sustainable water management practices, including rainwater harvesting and water conservation initiatives, can help mitigate water scarcity. Promoting hygiene education and sanitation practices are essential for improving public health outcomes. Collaboration between the government, NGOs, and international partners is crucial to ensure sustainable access to clean water and sanitation services for all Timorese communities. Show Less

Economy

Timor-Leste faces several challenges in its economy that require attention and strategic reforms. One significant issue is the heavy dependence on oil and gas revenues, which make up a large portion of the country's budget. This reliance exposes the economy to fluctuations in global oil prices and poses risks to long-term sustainability. Diversifying the economy and reducing dependency on oil and gas are crucial for promoting resilience and sustainable growth. Additionally, high levels of poverty and unemployment persist, particularly among the youth. Limited access to education and skills training, as well as the lack of diverse employment opportunities, hinder economic development and social progress. Infrastructure gaps, including transportation and energy, also impede private sector growth and foreign investment. Addressing these economic challenges requires diversifying the Read More economy by promoting sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and fisheries, and developing the necessary infrastructure to support their growth. Enhancing education and vocational training programs, improving the business environment, and attracting foreign investment are crucial for creating employment opportunities and reducing poverty. Strengthening fiscal management, promoting public-private partnerships, and fostering entrepreneurship and innovation are essential steps towards achieving a more sustainable and inclusive economy in Timor-Leste. Show Less

Government

Timor-Leste faces several challenges related to its government and governance. One significant issue is the need for improved transparency and accountability. Strengthening institutions and promoting good governance practices are essential to address these issues. Political stability is another challenge, as the country has experienced periods of unrest and political tension. Effective dialogue, inclusivity, and consensus-building are vital for fostering stability and ensuring that the government represents the interests of all citizens. Additionally, decentralization efforts face obstacles, limiting local governance and citizen participation in decision-making processes. Balancing the interests of various stakeholders, promoting transparency and accountability, and ensuring effective governance structures are crucial for building a stable and responsive government in Timor-Leste. Strengthening the rule of law, combating corruption, and fostering a culture of transparency and Read More public service are essential for promoting sustainable development and meeting the needs and aspirations of the Timorese people. Show Less

Health

Timor-Leste faces several health challenges that impact the well-being of its population. One significant issue is the limited access to quality healthcare services, particularly in rural and remote areas. Healthcare infrastructure, including clinics and hospitals, is often inadequate, and there is a shortage of healthcare professionals, especially in specialized fields. This leads to difficulties in receiving timely and appropriate medical care. Infectious diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, and respiratory infections remain prevalent, contributing to high morbidity and mortality rates. Maternal and child health is a concern, with high rates of maternal and infant mortality and limited access to prenatal and postnatal care. Malnutrition is also a significant issue, especially among children, leading to stunted growth and increased vulnerability to diseases. Limited healthcare funding and a Read More lack of health insurance coverage further hinder access to necessary treatments and medications. Addressing these health challenges requires significant investments in healthcare infrastructure, the recruitment and training of healthcare professionals, and the development of effective disease prevention and control programs. Strengthening primary healthcare services, improving access to essential medications, and enhancing health education and awareness are crucial steps towards improving the health outcomes and well-being of the people of Timor-Leste. Show Less

Children

Children in Timor-Leste face various challenges that hinder their well-being and development. One significant issue is limited access to quality education. Many children, especially those in rural and remote areas, have inadequate access to schools, qualified teachers, and educational resources. This hampers their ability to acquire essential knowledge and skills for their future. Malnutrition and limited access to healthcare are also concerns, leading to high rates of child mortality and stunted growth. The country's history of conflict and political instability has had a profound impact on children, with many experiencing trauma and disruption in their lives. Child labor remains prevalent, with children engaged in hazardous work instead of being in school. Additionally, gender inequality and discrimination affect girls, limiting their opportunities for education and exposing Read More them to higher risks of exploitation and early marriage. Addressing these challenges requires concerted efforts to improve access to quality education, enhance healthcare services, and promote child protection. Strengthening social welfare programs, raising awareness about children's rights, and implementing policies that address child labor and gender inequality are crucial for ensuring a brighter future for children in Timor-Leste. Show Less

Animals

In Timor-Leste, there are several pressing issues concerning the welfare and conservation of animals. One significant challenge is the unsustainable hunting and fishing practices that threaten local wildlife populations. Overhunting of species such as crocodiles, turtles, and dugongs has led to their decline and, in some cases, endangered status. Illegal wildlife trade and the capture of protected species for domestic or international markets further contribute to this problem. Additionally, habitat degradation and deforestation due to agricultural expansion, logging, and infrastructure development pose a threat to the natural habitats of Timor-Leste's unique fauna, including various bird and mammal species. To address these issues, it is crucial for Timor-Leste to strengthen enforcement of wildlife protection laws, enhance community-based conservation initiatives, and promote sustainable fishing practices. Collaborative efforts Read More involving government agencies, conservation organizations, and local communities are essential to safeguard the rich biodiversity of Timor-Leste and ensure a sustainable future for its animals. Show Less
Timor-Leste

Timor-Leste News

Check out the latest news and articles about Timor-Leste.

Loading...

Capture.
Share.
Impact.

Share about your experience with Timor-Leste for the world to see.

PWI STORYTELLER

SHARE YOUR STORY NOW

PWI SWIPE

Give your spare change automatically to help Timor-Leste.

Create a SWIPE ACCOUNT

Swipe.
Give.
Impact.

Connect your card today to start giving your spare change.

Start.
Search.
Give.

The easiest way to make a real difference for Timor-Leste.

PWI SEARCH

Download our browser extension and make every tab you open and ever web search you make will raise money for Timor-Leste.

DOWNLOAD NOW

PWI GROUPGIVE

Create your very own campaign to help raise money for Timor-Leste.

Create a GroupGive Campaign

Create.
Promote.
Grow.

What will you do for Timor-Leste? Start your fundraiser today and make an impact.

PWI
Help