Alola Australia

Mother's Day Campaign
Mothers are special. From the hugs they give us, the homes they make for us, the books they read to us and the love they give us. And that’s the same whether mothers are in Australia or Timor-Leste. Mothers work incredibly hard to be the most amazing mothers they can be. This is especially true for mothers in Timor-Leste, where women work hard to overcome many challenges so that they are able to be amazing mothers…..to get health care for themselves and their children, to support their daughters go to school or take on leadership roles, to ensure they have access to nutritious food, breastfeeding support, story books and mobile libraries so that they may nourish and strengthen the bodies and minds of their children.

Fundasaun Alola recognises the importance of strong mothers for strong children, families and communities. That is why we are committed to supporting Fundasaun Alola implement their programs focused on health, education, economic empowerment and advocacy.

This Mother’s Day, please consider supporting Fundasaun Alola’s work by donating to our Mother’s Day Appeal. You could do this in honour of your own amazing mother, to celebrate all the mothers who are special to you, in memory of your own Mum, or simply to acknowledge and support the mothers of Timor-Leste: from one mother to another.

To make a donation

Make a Donation – Alola Australia My WordPress Blog

Alola Australia is seeking a new auditor for the 2024 financial year. Can you help us with a referral? Melbourne based. Please email [email protected]

Alola Australia supporters are invited to this special independence celebration hosted by the Friends of Same on June 19th in Hawthron. Entry by donation, details in the post below ⬇️

Alola Australia will be there selling handicrafts from Fundasaun Alola!

Come and celebrate 20 years of independence for Timor-Leste and 20 years of friendship between Friends of Same and East Timor Hearts Fund!

Join the celebration at Augustine Hall 2 Minona Street, Hawthorn (close to Auburn Station) Sunday 19 June 2022 from 3pm.

You'll hear from inspiring speakers;
• Andrew Mahar AM, Honorary Consul For Timor-Leste in Victoria
• Jane Papasergio, CEO of East Timor Hearts Fund
• Kirsty Sword Gusmao AO, Chair of the Alola Foundation and Goodwill Ambassador for Education Timor-Leste

Enjoy delicious Timorese finger food and afternoon tea catered by Sabores de Timor. There will be great live music by Mystic Trio and West Papua community singers, and you can dance along with the beautiful Timorese cultural dancers from Timor Oan Sira.

You can check out the Alola Foundation Stall, get some Timor coffee, join the Raffle and more! Entry is by donation and all funds raised will go towards ETHF and Fuan Nabilan Education Centre for Blind Children and Adults, SAME.

Please RSVP to [email protected] or phone 0439 555 291.
https://www.friendsofsame.org/

Friends-Of Same Mystic Trio Alola Australia Trabalhadores Timor oan Iha Australia Australia Timor-Leste Business Council Australia Timor-Leste Advancement Society Ltd. Wild Timor Coffee Timor-Leste Australia Alumni Association Australia-East Timor Association Australia Timor-Leste Friendship Network Fuan Nabilan education centre for blind children and adults in Timor Timor Oan'S Sabores de Timor Kirsty Sword Gusmão - Fan Page Timor-Leste Consulate Victoria Consulate Timor Leste Victoria

'He grabbed my hand and said I had to marry him': 20 years after she was kidnapped, Juliana made her bid for freedom.

Some of our supporters will know that Juliana was the inspiration for creation and naming of the Alola Foundation. Earlier this year, Juliana returned to her family in Timor-Leste. This great escape came 22 years after she was taken into West Timor as a ‘war trophy’.

We are so thrilled that Juliana has been reunited with her family and is now safe. Thank you to Ann Barker for telling Juliana’s story.

'He grabbed my hand and said I had to marry him': 20 years after she was kidnapped, Juliana made her bid for freedom As she fled her captor of two decades, Juliana was chased though the jungle by soldiers. When she reached the croc-infested river that separated her from the safety of Timor Leste, she had no choice but to get in.

Wondering how a regular donation to Alola Australia can make a difference? Here’s what your support helps fund:

🟢 Electricity - having a generator is essential to ensure continuity of Alola’s services and obligations during (common) outages in Dili.

🟢 Cars - 70% of the population live in rural and remote areas, making safe travel essential. Fuel and maintenance costs for each of Alola’s 14 vehicles are approx $76,0000 per annum.

🟢 HR - skilled staff equipped with appropriate resources ensures Alola remains a leader in best practice employment and service delivery.

🟢 Internet and IT - reliable cable internet is essential for communication with staff and donors. IT facilities are also used by students and women in Dili.

All these areas are vital in creating a strong foundation from which can operate. They are the building blocks for

➡️ Set up a regular donation at www.Alola.org.au

This International Women’s Day, we are launching a special campaign to support the incredible work of Fundasaun Alola.

You can read the full letter from our Board Co-Chairs Maria and Helen on our website 📤

https://www.alola.org.au/help-keep-the-lights-on-at-fundasan-alola/

Now is the time to ensure the economic longevity of Fundasaun Alola, and we need your help to ensure that happens.

Please, if you can, consider becoming a regular donor. It really is the best gift you can give today on , and every day throughout the year.

Hear Alola founder Dr Kirsty Sword Gusmão speak in honour of International Women’s Day. All proceeds will go to Fundasaun Alola.

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/strong-women-strong-nation-the-struggle-to-empower-women-in-timor-leste-tickets-285149960207?fbclid=IwAR3Ln3tDuPhd6yL5xkRp5ainC0a-yCXqakBXfOJOyWnTu715KQfN3U51C7I

Strong women, strong nation: the struggle to empower women in Timor-Leste Kirsty Sword Gusmao AO joins us to talk about her ongoing role in the independence struggle of Australia's nearest neighbour

The perfect last-minute Christmas gift, sure to bring joy to both the gift recipient as well as the person benefitting from your donation!

We have a range of gift certificates you can purchase, directly supporting women and children in Timor-Leste. You can check out the unique causes you can support on our website!

Have a very Merry Christmas ❤️

A unique cause you can contribute to this Christmas is Fundasaun Alola's Maternal Child Health Program. This program directs funds toward :

- The engagement of breastfeeding counsellors at Dili’s national hospital

- Infant and young child feeding training

- Safe motherhood initiatives

- Maternity packs

- Research on maternal mortality in Timor

You can support these initiatives by purchasing our Maternal Child Health Gift Certificate available through https://www.alola.org.au/4314-2/