Timor-Leste lost most of its infrastructure when the Indonesian army left in 1999. Whilst much progress has been made, according to the national strategy, building quality basic infrastructure is still a priority for Timor-Leste.[2] FUNDEF believes building a school provides a foundation for people learning and living towards their potential. We have project managed the construction of a school, on time and on budget.

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In 2016 FUNDEF managed the construction of a primary school in the poor and isolated village of Caunua, in Cribas, Manatuto.

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FUNDEF proposed building a new school building to the Japanese Embassy in Timor-Leste after ongoing discussions with the village's people and leaders that identified the school as an urgent need. This strong relationship with local communities is a hallmark of FUNDEF’s style of working, and allows them to understand and work beside people in various districts.

 

The school is a much needed place for 100 children to learn in each year. In the past few years, the children of Caunua had been trying to learn in a school building that was in poor condition – it was leaking, noisy, and small. When they reach year five, they needed to walk nearly five kilometres to the nearest school in Cribas.

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Now the village has a school big enough that local children can stay and learn there for an extra two years instead of walking a long distance. The construction was done using high quality, modern materials.

 

[1] Timor-Leste Strategic Development Plan 2001-2030