September 2006
President Gusmão of Timor-Leste Thanks FPCD Supporters
When FPCD Executive Director was in Timor-Leste in August, she was able to present President Gusmão of Timor-Leste a donation from the Foundation for Post Conflict Development. The generous supporters of the FPCD’s appeal for assistance with Timor-Leste’s humanitarian crisis as a result of the recent uprisings will be pleased to know that 100% of funds raised will go toward a new programme initiated by Fundacão Xanana Gusmão (FXG). President Gusmão was very touched by the donation from his Sister Foundation in New York and organized a meeting with Fundacao Xanana Gusmao staff whereby Executive Director Claudia Abate met with FXG President, Joao Saldanha and Programme Officer Virginia Belo.
During this meeting discussions on ways to utilize the FPCD donation in order to maximize its effect took place. Rather than adding it to the funds available for internally displaced persons camps, it was agreed that a new programme would be initiated that would evolve as developmental needs change. The new programme will assist with reconciliation activities once the internally displaced persons return to their homes. It is an honour for the FPCD to participate in this regard.
While in Dili, FPCD Executive Director toured the The Archives and Museum of the Timorese Resistance – a priority project of the FXG. In post conflict development it is important to be sensitive to the conflict and those that have sacrificed and suffered. In the case of Timor-Leste, during the 24-year struggle for independence, there were multiple branches to this movement: the Armed Resistance, the Clandestine and Youth Front and the External Front. Each branch worked together and will be properly honored in the Museum. As Timor-Leste is composed of nearly 60% of youth, it is important that their history is accurately recorded. The Museum will become a community space for the enjoyment of citizens of Timor-Leste, present and future.
Another important element of the Foundation’s work in Timor-Leste was establishing a relationship with Grafica Patria, a local printing press. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed formalizing this association whereby the FPCD committed to having all of its printing needs met with Grafica Patria.
Also, while in Timor-Leste, FPCD Executive Director visited Same District to assess the status of construction of the Monaco Red Cross Maternity Clinic. In Same, meetings were held with local midwives and pregnant women of the community.
The Executive Director also accompanied Prime Minister Ramos Horta to the Cannossian Sister Convent, home to 10,000 internally displaced persons. A special mass was celebrated and a meeting with the internally placed persons was held. The convent is bravely run by Mother Guilhermina Marcal who oversees the care of all the internally displaced persons at the Cannossian camp.
Amongst many other activities, FPCD Executive Director also met with the Secretary General and Vice President of the Timor Leste Red Cross, Isabel Guterres and Zacarias da Costa, and toured their premises, present and future and learned about their activities and their vast network of volunteers stationed throughout the country.
For more information on the Executive Director’s trip to Timor-Leste, please visit Claudia’s Blog.
When FPCD Executive Director was in Timor-Leste in August, she was able to present President Gusmão of Timor-Leste a donation from the Foundation for Post Conflict Development. The generous supporters of the FPCD’s appeal for assistance with Timor-Leste’s humanitarian crisis as a result of the recent uprisings will be pleased to know that 100% of funds raised will go toward a new programme initiated by Fundacão Xanana Gusmão (FXG). President Gusmão was very touched by the donation from his Sister Foundation in New York and organized a meeting with Fundacao Xanana Gusmao staff whereby Executive Director Claudia Abate met with FXG President, Joao Saldanha and Programme Officer Virginia Belo.
During this meeting discussions on ways to utilize the FPCD donation in order to maximize its effect took place. Rather than adding it to the funds available for internally displaced persons camps, it was agreed that a new programme would be initiated that would evolve as developmental needs change. The new programme will assist with reconciliation activities once the internally displaced persons return to their homes. It is an honour for the FPCD to participate in this regard.
While in Dili, FPCD Executive Director toured the The Archives and Museum of the Timorese Resistance – a priority project of the FXG. In post conflict development it is important to be sensitive to the conflict and those that have sacrificed and suffered. In the case of Timor-Leste, during the 24-year struggle for independence, there were multiple branches to this movement: the Armed Resistance, the Clandestine and Youth Front and the External Front. Each branch worked together and will be properly honored in the Museum. As Timor-Leste is composed of nearly 60% of youth, it is important that their history is accurately recorded. The Museum will become a community space for the enjoyment of citizens of Timor-Leste, present and future.
Another important element of the Foundation’s work in Timor-Leste was establishing a relationship with Grafica Patria, a local printing press. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed formalizing this association whereby the FPCD committed to having all of its printing needs met with Grafica Patria.
Also, while in Timor-Leste, FPCD Executive Director visited Same District to assess the status of construction of the Monaco Red Cross Maternity Clinic. In Same, meetings were held with local midwives and pregnant women of the community.
The Executive Director also accompanied Prime Minister Ramos Horta to the Cannossian Sister Convent, home to 10,000 internally displaced persons. A special mass was celebrated and a meeting with the internally placed persons was held. The convent is bravely run by Mother Guilhermina Marcal who oversees the care of all the internally displaced persons at the Cannossian camp.
Amongst many other activities, FPCD Executive Director also met with the Secretary General and Vice President of the Timor Leste Red Cross, Isabel Guterres and Zacarias da Costa, and toured their premises, present and future and learned about their activities and their vast network of volunteers stationed throughout the country.
For more information on the Executive Director’s trip to Timor-Leste, please visit Claudia’s Blog.
Labels: News
posted by Claudia Abate at 7:30 AM
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