On 15th March 2018, PRADET was very honoured to host the lunch for the new Australian Ambassador for Timor Leste, and head of DFAT, Mr. Peter Roberts OAM and Ms. Tracie Starkey, Acting Counsellor for Human Development at the Australian Embassy.
As he has not been in Timor Leste for very long, this was the first time the Ambassador had been to PRADET, (Psychosocial Recovery and Development in East Timor). He was introduced to all staff present, including short introduction to Uma Fatin Hakmatek that provides services for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, abandonment, human trafficking and the area used to facilitate the Psychosocial Rehabilitation Center (PRC) for people recovering from mental illness. This includes the Dalan Ninin (Street Program) where people who are homeless and living on the street can come to PRADET for general support, referral for medical treatment and connection to family.
This was a great opportunity for PRADET to inform the Ambassador and the Acting Counsellor for Human Development about the progress of our programs that are currently funded by Australian Aid – Fatin Hakmatek through the Asia Foundation Program Nabilan and the PRC and Dalan Ninin, (Street Program) through PHD.
The PHD program also currently supports PRADET’s Personal Development Course (PDC). This course is facilitated at suku level and the objective is to change attitudes and change behaviour to prevent violence, both in the family and community. Over 2-3 weeks in the suku, PRADET staff facilitate workshops and discussions that challenge some customary behaviour, promote equality and introduce strategies for managing emotions, especially anger. This includes information about the Use and Abuse of Alcohol and Drugs and the impact on the individual and communities. Follow-up visits confirm that change in the personal behaviour of participants continues.
A Women’s Empowerment Socio-Economic support, attached to Fatin Hakmatek, assists victims of violence and the women in Gleno Prison to reintegrate, is funded through Action on Poverty that receives funds from ANCP-Australian Aid.
PRADET staff welcomed this visit and were extremely pleased and impressed by the informal and easy manner of the Ambassador and the keen interest taken by both visitors in all PRADET activities. Discussions included stories of success, trainings for other services, community education, plans and dreams for the future.
It is hoped further visits can be arranged for him and others to see the Fatin Hakmatek facilities in Oecusse, Suai, Malian and Baucau also funded by Australian Aid, through the TAF Nabilan Program.
