APPLY BY
April 1, 2024
KNOW BY
June 1, 2024
DEPART BY
October 1, 2024
DURATION
2 years, plus 3 months training
APPLY ONLINE: Community Services Volunteer (peacecorps.gov)
Project Description
Timor-Leste, formerly known as East Timor, is a nation of remarkable resilience and potential. Having gained sovereignty in 2002, this young and independent Southeast Asian country boasts a vibrant culture and a population eager to rebuild and advance its nation after decades of conflict. Timor-Leste offers a unique opportunity for Volunteers to leave a lasting impact on its economic landscape.
Heavily dependent on petroleum revenues, Timor-Leste’s government is actively diversifying its economy by promoting agriculture, tourism, and non-petroleum sectors to reduce this reliance and create a more sustainable economic base. With a youthful population (nearly 70% under 25), there's a strong drive among young Timorese to acquire skills and develop small businesses.
Community Economic Development (CED) Facilitators will serve in rural villages, collaborating closely with local counterparts to enhance their communities’ economic and livelihood opportunities. They may work in youth training centers, co-facilitating courses on English language, computer skills, or other entrepreneurial or job-seeking skills. Alternatively, CED Facilitators might be placed with existing agricultural or business cooperatives, farmers, youth, or women’s groups, guiding them towards improved business practices, enhanced financial management, innovative product design, or more effective marketing. Some Volunteers may work with local non-governmental organizations or government offices, focusing on organizational capacity development. Regardless of the assignment, Volunteers will apply participatory tools for development, facilitating collaborative efforts with counterparts and the broader community to identify needs and develop action plans.
It's common for work colleagues, community leaders, and neighbors to ask (CED) Facilitators to provide English lessons. This recognition stems from the fact that English proficiency significantly enhances employment opportunities and staff capacity development. Timorese who speak English tend to earn salaries that are 30% higher than their peers. CED Volunteers should expect to teach English, either at their worksite or within an English club. This English instruction can be integrated with other tasks, such as teaching job seekers or providing guidance on reading and interpreting financial documents or grant opportunities. By sharing this valuable skill, you'll not only contribute to the community but also establish stronger relationships and build trust with its members. As trust within the community deepens, you may discover additional avenues for service. CED Facilitators will receive training on pertinent topics like nutrition and climate change issues in Timor-Leste, which can lead to further engagement opportunities within your assigned site.
In Timor-Leste, Volunteers can drive positive change by collaborating closely with local organizations to achieve their objectives. Your participation can be a significant step toward a brighter future for this developing nation, offering you a fulfilling and culturally enriching experience. Join us in supporting economic development in Timor-Leste and become a part of this transformative journey.
Required Skills
Qualified candidates will have one or more of the following criteria:
• Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science degree in any field
OR
• 5 years' professional work experience
