Fundacao Xanana Gusmao

On Saturday, August 26, President Gusmao chaired a meeting in his office with representatives of his foundation and me, in my capacity as Executive Director of the Foundation for Post Conflict Development. We tried to identify what the best use of FPCD funds, raised prior to my departure to Timor-Leste and transmitted by me to the President on 23 August. It was brought to my attention that many donors have funded the internally displaced persons camps and that the FPCD donation would be better used if it were put toward a programme that will alleviate some of the issues once the displaced return to their homes. The people living in camps are often better cared for than if they were at home, since meals are guaranteed. We agreed to explore different options so that the FPCD funds will have a maximum impact in the community.

We also discussed many issues related to enhancing cooperation between the two sister foundations, such as cross promotion of each other’s work, engaging in joint fundraising activities and identifying new projects to work toward.