Dili, April 8, 2024 (Média Democracia) – World Vision Timor-Leste is conducting a collaborative business competition workshop in the Covalima and RAEOA municipalities as part of its Power Program aimed at empowering and building the capacity of women, particularly those in rural areas.
World Vision Timor-Leste Operational Manager, Humbelino Pereira, stated that the objective of the workshop is to bring local leadership together, share ideas, and provide information. The project also encourages the community to participate in small business competitions established in Covalima and RAEOA municipalities.
“This project was funded by the European Union, focusing primarily on these two municipalities. The main goal is to help empower women so that they can improve their business ventures,” said Pereira in an interview with the media at Novo Turizmu.
He further explained that due to funding limitations, the small business competition program would initially focus only on the two municipalities, but there may be an opportunity for future expansion to other areas.
Pereira emphasized that the project, which has been running for over a year, involves working with women’s groups to help them build capacity and improve their business practices.
“As a result, these women can share ideas on how to improve their businesses, and the project will conclude in the coming year. We are committed to supporting these women to further develop their businesses,” he added.
The participating groups in the competition will receive funding, which will help them implement their business plans. “The budget provided will be used to create businesses based on their plans, and we will observe the types of businesses they establish,” Pereira affirmed.
The project focuses on empowering women and youth, with eligibility primarily based on the productive age group and individuals from Covalima and RAEOA municipalities. There are additional criteria that will be explained in the upcoming sessions.
World Vision is also working with local NGOs and financial institutions to ensure that the business activities are monitored and supported effectively. Through this collaboration, the activities aim to provide long-term benefits for the families and communities in the municipalities.
Paulino Marques, Administrator of the Pássabe Administrative Post, expressed pride in participating in the workshop, emphasizing the involvement of local authorities and community leaders to share ideas and information about the support provided by international NGOs to the community.
“World Vision has had a strong presence in our country, focusing mainly on urban areas and cities. However, there is a need to extend their reach to isolated communities in rural areas. This will help us promote business development for smaller groups in those areas,” said Marques.
Although some members of the community have voiced concerns about the World Vision initiative, the general consensus is that there is a need for international NGOs or agencies to continue supporting these smaller business groups with the necessary technical assistance and knowledge to help them compete with other groups from different municipalities.
“However, some activities have been delayed. This is why we need to work closely with the local government and international organizations to ensure the proper management and successful implementation of the projects in these communities,” Marques added.
This highlights the need for more technical preparation and knowledge transfer to empower the communities, especially the smaller groups, so they can compete effectively and improve their livelihoods.
Reporter : Estefania
Photo by : Estefania
Editor : Jp.Costa