HISTORY OF PRADET

HISTORY OF PRADET

2000–2026

Susan Kendall AM, and PRADET Team

Following is a chronological account of significant dates and events in the development of PRADET since its inception in 1999. It is fair to say that PRADET has grown rapidly, and achieved much, during its short history, and in the face of many challenges. Some of the staff who commenced working with PRADET in those early years are still with us. For the more avid readers, historians and researchers seeking more in-depth detail, there is a links at the end of this chronology to more comprehensive accounts of the History of PRADET provided by Susan Kendall AM, who has a long-standing involvement as an International Mentor to PRADET, dating back to the early development phase of the service. Other detailed historical information can be gleaned from PRADET’s Annual Reports.

1999–PRADET commenced as an Australian NGO when a group of Australian mental health specialists obtained AusAID funding to assist East Timor to respond to high levels of trauma and mental illness emanating from a brutal 25-year occupation by Indonesia. Dr Ramos Horta was the first patron.

2000–14 Timorese people were selected to undertake 7 weeks mental health training at the UNSW School of Psychiatry Australia with a view to then being engaged as PRADET staff. They returned in May 2000 and PRADET services commenced in the nursing school in Lahane, in one fire damaged room, with extremely limited resources. An Australian Social Worker, Susan Kendell, also arrived in May 2000 to mentor the new team.

In June 2000 the first East Timor Women’s Congress was held in Dili and helped set the scene for the future work of PRADET. Women representatives from across Timor Leste made it clear that, on the departure of the Indonesians, they wanted the issues of violence against women and children, particularly domestic violence and sexual assault, to be a priority for the new Government.

In June–August 2000 time was devoted to planning for the National Consultation to be held in August that year, on how to deliver mental health services across Timor Leste, and deciding on the PRADET Vision and Mission Statements, which still remain in place today.

In July 2000 the then NSW Minister for Health, the Hon. Craig Knowles, visited PRADET and committed funds to engage an Australian Psychiatrist for one week a month for the term of a year.

In August 2000 the National Consultation was held at PRADET Lahane, and was attended by over 200 people from across Timor Leste, including UN Officials. The new office was blessed by a priest and officially opened by Xanana Gusmao. The consultation lasted 3 days. Out of this consultation emerged a design plan for PRADET staff to assess, diagnose and commence a treatment regime to deliver services in the Western Districts and Dili. An inpatient facility was not part of this plan. The primary team was to be based in Dili, but working cooperatively with district health workers. Initially, all medications were brought in from Australia.

In September 2000, with limited resources, service delivery commenced in the Western Districts. AusAID agreed to pay for a psychiatrist to visit 3 weeks in every month. A Psychiatrist from NSW also commenced visiting for 1 week every month and both Psychiatrists covered Dili.

2001–In June 2001, without prior warning, AusAID stopped PRADET funding with no real explanation. Funding was then transferred to PRADET via the University of NSW. This was a very distressing time for all staff, as by now PRADET was servicing over 200 clients in the Western Districts, many of these having been assisted by UNHCR to return from West Timor. As there was already a strong professional link between PRADET and UNHCR, through their joint work in Batuguarde, on hearing of PRADET’S funding predicament the UNHCR provided funding for PRADET to continue, as a stop-gap measure.

In December 2001 as the UNHCR funding came to an end there was a high level of distress for staff wondering what would happen to the service they had established and the ongoing care of their clients. The new Government mental health program named Saude Mental commenced. Most PRADET staff had procured new jobs and all assets and resources in Lahane were handed over to the new service.

2002–In January 2002 a new beginning NGO PRADET was established in a rented room in Vila Verde. Private funds were raised in Australia to establish the new service. However, there was a serious shortage of mental health nurses, as 4 of the original PRADET staff had taken the option of remaining with the government Saude Mental program. More mental health nurses had to be recruited and trained to fill a serious gap in follow-up treatment of clients already assessed and being treated.

In February 2002 PRADET successfully obtained funding from UNICEF to conduct a Preliminary Study of Child Abuse and Human Trafficking in Timor Leste and provide training on child abuse and children’s rights in the 4 Child Friendly Spaces being established in 4 districts.  This was the first research on child abuse conducted in the new country and was followed by a more substantial report on “Abuse, Violence and Exploitation – Children in Timor Leste” in June 2003.

In March 2002 PRADET was constituted and registered as a National NGO. Additional funds from fundraising in Australia allowed for renting of an additional room at Vila Verde and an additional computer. PRADET staff commenced producing a half hour radio program talking about mental health and related issues.

In May 2002 preliminary negotiations were underway with CBMI (Christian Blind Mission Institute – Germany) to establish a psychosocial service for people with mental illness. This meant that PRADET could continue the work started in 2000. This was timely as there was still a serious gap in treatment and support of existing clients. With staff veterans from the earlier PRADET, the PAMM Program (Programa Assistensia Moras Mental) commenced as a pilot until the following year when secure funding was obtained.

In July 2002 a previous PRADET volunteer, who was the wife of a Dutch Protestant Minister, returned to Holland and successfully negotiated on PRADET’s behalf with Global Ministries to fund the Child at Risk Program (later to become PDAJJ – Programa Democracia Assistencia Justica Juventude) to provide a psychosocial service to young offenders in Becora Prison. Initially for 3 years, it was extended for another 6 years in 2005. From 2011-2014 it was funded by JSSF (AusAID).

By August 2002 PRADET was desperate for more space and approached Xanana Gusmao, then President of Timor, for assistance. A building in the Veterans Compound in Taibesse was subsequently offered rent free. PRADET staff carried out extensive renovations and planted gardens.

In November 2002 Fatin Hakmatek (Quiet Place) was established in 1 room of the old maternity unit of the National Hospital (HNGV). Furniture and equipment was supplied by ZONTA, Sydney, Australia. One of the recommendations from the Women’s Congress 2000 was to establish a service for people who had been sexually assaulted, particularly during the Indonesian occupation. PRADET was well placed to provide such a service as most staff were health workers with good connections to the National Hospital (HNGV)

By December 2002 the new PRADET had passed its first-year major milestone having 10 Timorese staff employed in 3 of the main programs that still exist today.

2003–Funding for the Fatin Hakmatek program was provided by UNFPA up to 2010 although the amounts varied in later years

In May 2003 the PAMM program was granted secure 5 year funding from the German NGO CBMI (Christian Blind Mission Institute). PRADET signed an MOU with the Ministry of Health restricting it services to psychosocial, and in the event of winding up, all assets and services would be handed over to MoH. PRADET and the UNHCR established the first Referral Pathway Meetings for victims of assault.

2004–Manuel dos Santos joined PRADET as a driver and was later promoted to office manager. In 2011 he became acting director, and was confirmed as Director in 2012, a position he still holds today.

In June 2004 the First Draft of the Medical Forensic Protocol was compiled by Susan Kendall AM, assisted by Amy Miguel, to document injuries and other evidence for crimes of sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse.

In August 2004 Kristina Tang who had worked tirelessly to establish the original PRADET IN 2000, and the subsequent NGO PRADET in 2002, departed Timor Leste amidst a tearful farewell.

In October 2004 the British Embassy, which was closing down, donated a red four-wheel drive vehicle to provide transport for PRADET clients.

2005–In July 2005 Caritas Australia granted the Fatin Hakmatek program $10,000 to construct a purpose-built Uma Fatin Hamatek (Safe House) in the grounds of the National Hospital, Dili (HNGV).

By mid–2005 the PRADET office in Taibessi was becoming overcrowded and rent was now required. The idea of PRADET raising its own funds and owning its own office complex began to be discussed, however, with ongoing land disputes it was too risky to purchase land. Negotiations, therefore, commenced with HNGV for a site on the hospital grounds adjacent to the Fatin Hakmatek site.

By the end of 2005 a PRADET website had been established and a competent data base had also been developed with the assistance of volunteers.

In 2006, Mr. Wes Baker, an individual volunteer from Australia, visited PRADET. With his expertise in databases, he assisted PRADET in developing an internal database system. His support continued periodically until 2010.

2006–In March 2006 the Fatim Hakmatek Safe House was officially opened on the grounds of HNGV.

During May–June 2006 PRADET was closed for 3 weeks due to the outbreak of violence in Dili and the Districts. However, when work re-commenced, much of it was in the IDP camps supporting internally displaced families and individuals, even though some staff were displaced and living in IDP camps themselves. HNGV became a haven for IDP’s and the vacant land around Fatin Hakmatek crowded with people and tents. It was a very challenging time for Fatin Hakmatek to operate under those conditions.

In July 2006 the TLPDP (Australian Federal Police Program) funded PRADET to provide a one-day Trauma Support Workshop for all PNTL (Timor Leste Police) as part of the PNTL Re-integration Program. Approximately 25-30 police officers at a time attended workshops spanning 12 months. Payment for running these workshops (approximately $20,000 in total) was allocated towards a new office building for PRADET. This program enhanced the strong relationship between the PNTL and PRADET that continues today.

Towards the end of 2006 normal services had gradually resumed at PRADET although it took another 2 years before all IDP camps closed. Many people had left Dili to stay with relatives in the Districts, living in overcrowded conditions, and a corresponding significant increase in trauma.

2007–During 2007 four PRADET staff commenced a Diploma in Counseling from Southern Cross University, Australia.

2008–During 2008 HNGV donated another block of land adjacent to Fatin Hakmatek and building construction of a new PRADET office commenced.

2009–PRADET won the Sergio Vieira de Mello Human Rights Award.

During 2009 PRADET commenced the Pilot Program on the Use and Abuse of Alcohol in Baucau and Gleno Prison.

During 2009 Fatin Hakmatek developed and provided community education programs about Healthy Relationships to school children and their communities.

During 2009 PAMM staff attended 2 consultations in Dili and Baucau, and a conference hosted by the Living Memory Program in Dili, where ex-political prisoners stated that health care was one of their greatest needs.

In October 2009 PRADET was funded by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to establish a Counter Trafficking Program (Tau Matan) accredited by the Institute National Saude (INS).

During 2009 Dr. Margaret Gibbons and Fatin Hakmatek developed a curriculum and manual for training health workers to become accredited medical forensic examiners which was subsequently piloted in Dili in 2010.

2010–PAMM commenced a pilot program to provide psychosocial and medical services to ex-political prisoners referred by the Living Memory Project which continued to February 2011.

 In April 2010 PRADET left Taibesse and re-located to its new office in HNGV.

Throughout 2010 PAMM provided a one-day workshop to communities in 5 Districts providing information about mental illness and trauma, categories of mental illness, and causes and treatment.

During 2010 Fatin Hakmatek provided a five-day training program in the Theory of Medical Forensic Examinations. This was part of a wider plan to open Uma Fatin Hakmatek in the five Referral Hospitals in Oecusse, Maliana, Suai, Baucau and Maubisse.

Throughout 2010 PDAJJ provided peace activities in seven Sucos in the Districts of Lautem and Covalina.

During 2010 the Tau Matan program conducted community education activities on human trafficking in four Sucos and twelve secondary schools.

Throughout January–June 2010 PDAJJ staff attended Dili PNTL Station (Police station) each day to offer support to young males which included art to reduce stress and information and assessment for mental illness. Drawings completed by prisoners were exhibited on International Children’s Day on 1 June 2010.

In April 2010 PDAJJ conducted two two-day workshops, one at Prison Becora and one at Prison Gleno which included topics such as the impact of violence, managing emotions such as anger and sadness, grief and loss and depression.

From June-September 2010 PAMM provided “Training of Trainers” for volunteer health workers attached to health posts in four districts.

2011–During 2011 representatives from the Christian Blind Mission (CBM) visited PRADET and agreed that PAMM would expand to providing Psychosocial Rehabilitation Services in Dili complimenting the existing services in 8 Districts. CBM agreed to provide funds to modify the ground floor of the existing PRADET building in HNGV to incorporate a client treatment centre and to complete the second floor as office space.

Also, during 2011 the buildings for Fatin Hakmatek in Oecusse and Suai Hospital sites were completed and construction of the Maliana building was commenced.

On 1 June 2011 the Justice Facility agreed to support a PDAJJ combined program, providing psychosocial services to young prisoners, and community alcohol and drug education. This was timely, as the International Christian Church Organisation (ICCO) who had been the primary donor for 10 years, withdrew support from Timor Leste in March 2011.

In October 2011, as part of the celebration “16 Days Against Violence,” Fatin Hakmatek facilitated a one-day workshop in Ermera Vila titled “Peace in Self, Peace in Family and Peace in the Community”

During 2011 significant improvements were commenced on PRADET’s Finance and Management Systems with the assistance of Red Cross volunteers and others. This process continued through to 2014.

2012–In February 2012 the Inauguration of the Fatin Hakmatek facility at Oecusse took place.

On 6 March 2012 PDAJJ with PNTL, NGO Belun and the Ministry of Health held a seminar at the Hotel Timor about the Use and Abuse of Alcohol and Drugs in Timor Leste.

In May 2012 PRADET was visited by the Governor General of Australia, Her Excellency Ms. Quentin Bryce.

On 21 September 2012 the Inauguration of Fatin Hakmatek in Suai took place attended by the Australian Ambassador for Women and Girls, Ms. Penny Williams.

In October 2012 a PDAJJ staff member was supported to attend Yoga Teacher training in Bali, with the aim of creating a continuing activity for young prisoners, to reduce stress and manage their emotions.

Between 2012 and 2014, Kelly Warner served as a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Advisor for mental health at PRADET. The role was facilitated by the Australian Red Cross under the Australian Volunteers for International Development (AVID). During her assignment, she focused on strengthening PRADET’s data collection systems and measuring the impact of psychosocial support services for survivors of trauma and domestic violence.

In February 2013, four PRADET counselors visited Malaysia to study psychosocial rehabilitation for mental illness. They visited the Malaysian Mental Health Association (MMHA), the Pusat Cahaya Kesayangan (a rehabilitation center for children and youth), and the University of Malaya Medical Centre. This study tour aimed to equip staff with mental health therapy skills prior to launching PRADET’s own rehabilitation activities.

2013–PRADET continued to receive visits from distinguished guests including the Irish Ambassador, Mr Joe Hayes, the Australian Minister for International Development, the Honorable Melissa Parkes and the First Assistant Secretary for International Organizations (DFAT), Ms. Harinda Sidhu.

In March 2013 Fatin Hakmatek officially inaugurated a new facility in the Maliana Referral Hospital grounds.

In March 2013 the construction of the PRADET office based in HNGV Dili was completed and PAMM commenced a Psychosocial Rehabilitation Day Centre on the new premises.

On 6 March 2013 the Coordinator of Fatin Hakmatek Dili (Luisa Marcal) was invited to present a paper in New York at the 57th Session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women.

During 2013 PRADET staff and Board participated in a 3-day Strategic Planning Meeting during which a 5-year plan was discussed and formulated.

During 2013 the PRADET Personal Development Course was piloted in partnership with Justice Facility aimed at providing participants with information, discussions, skills and techniques to help resolve relationship conflicts, improve communication and to identify emotional signals which was targeted the house hold couples.

2014–PRADET began the implementation of the new Strategic Plan 2014-2018

During 2014 MOU’s were signed with the Ministry of Justice Prison Program and with the Institutu Nacional de Saude (INS). PRADET also became an implementing partner of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

Also, during 2014 for the first time, performance evaluations for all staff were conducted in an effort to recognize and value the commitment and dedication of the staff, and to perform work more effectively.

Throughout 2014 a key challenge that arose were cuts in donor funding that challenged financial sustainability but did not alter PRADET’s commitment to developing and promoting its programs.

In May 2014 PRADET and INS signed an MOU to continue training of Medical Forensic Examiners to May 2019.

In 2014, The Asia Foundation (TAF) began providing core funding to PRADET to operationalize Fatin Hakmatek services across its five facilities in Dili, Suai, Maliana, Oecusse, and Baucau; this funding continues to this day.

In June 2014 PDAJJ commenced a program with TAF HAKOHAK Community Policing Program to continue providing community workshops about alcohol and drugs to 13 Sucos in Aileu, Manatuto, Baucau, Bobonara and Liquica.

In June/July 2014 Fatin Hakmatek staff facilitated MFE training in Baucau Hospital for 11 more health workers, bringing the total number of accredited health workers to 39.

On 19 August 2014 Fatin Hakmatek launched pilot training in “Recognizing and Responding to Non-Accidental Injuries” with staff from Maries Stopes International, Health Alliance and Bairo Pite Clinic

During 2014 Tau Matan staff provided training to border guards in Batugade and Oecusse, about prevention of human trafficking in Timor Leste, with 88 guards attending.

2015–In early 2015 the Christian Blind Mission, a long-term donor since 2003, notified PRADET that they were discontinuing funding from 2016. This was challenging, but enabled PRADET to advocate to the Government to take more responsibility for funding support, and to build partnerships with other donors.

On 13 June 2015 Fatin Hakmatek officially opened a service in Baucau in temporary rented premises with ALFeLa. Plans were progressing for construction of premises in Baucau with an Embassy of Japan Grant of $90,000.

In November 2015 PRADET staff took part in the Dili Hash Harriers Blue Dress Run which was to raise funds for mental health. Six PRADET staff took part and funds totaling $585 were kindly donated to PRADET.

Also in November 2015, PRADET male staff participated for the first time in Movember organized by the New Zealand Defence Force. It raised $6,600 for PRADET’s work.

On 22 December 2015, Independent Evaluation for The Asia Foundation” of PRADET’s Programs and operations was tabled. The Independent Consultant’s Evaluation contained 36 recommendations for consideration and implementation in PRADET’s ongoing and future planning.

On March 13, 2016, the Embassy of Japan in Timor-Leste and PRADET signed a grant agreement under the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) scheme to build a new Fatin Hakmatek facility in Baucau. The facility was designed to support survivors of GBV specifically from the eastern municipalities of Baucau, Lospalos (Lautém), and Viqueque. This project was part of PRADET’s broader effort to expand its network of shelters across the country. Prior to the Baucau expansion, PRADET had established safe houses in Dili (2002) and Oecusse (2012), as well as Suai (2012) and Maliana (2013).

In 2016, following the phase-out of funding from CBM (Christian Blind Mission Germany) in 2015, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)—through the Australian Aid program—continued to support PRADET’s mental health initiatives in Timor-Leste. Australia has been a long-term partner for PRADET, which was originally founded in 2000 as an Australian consortium with AusAID funding. By 2016, this relationship evolved into broader support through initiatives like; Justice Facility, The Asia Foundation-TAF and the Partnership for Human Development (PHD), which prioritizes disability inclusion and mental health services as part of Australia’s commitment to Timor-Leste’s Strategic Development Plan.

In April 2016, Bernadetta McEvoy “Berny” joined PRADET as an Organizational Management Mentor, a role supported by the Australian Volunteers for International Development.

During the assignment Berny has contributed to the following key areas;

  • Strengthening Internal Governance: Implementing organizational development plans and improving administration systems to enhance PRADET’s capacity as a national NGO.
  • Community Support Initiatives: During her time with PRADET, she was awarded a Disability Initiative Grant to establish a community garden specifically designed for people living with mental illness.
  • Long-term Commitment: Berny continued her involvement in Timor-Leste’s development sector beyond this initial assignment, later mentoring with Juventude ba Dezenvolvimentu Nasionál (JDN) and even supporting Timorese youth programs remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In July 2016, the organization formerly known as the Australia Foundation for the Peoples of Asia and the Pacific (AFAP) officially rebranded as Action on Poverty (AOP) and shifted its primary funding focus for PRADET toward the Women’s Economic Empowerment Program (WEEP).

Early Partnership (Since 2012): AFAP began partnering with PRADET in 2012, initially focusing on mental health and psychosocial activities. This early support helped address the underlying social and economic factors contributing to mental health issues in Timor-Leste.

Funding Shift (July 2016): As PRADET’s mental health programs gained other sustainable funding sources (such as support from DFAT) for PAMM program, AFAP/AOP transitioned its focus to WEEP. This program provides survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) who use PRADET’s Fatin Hakmatek (Safe Rooms) services with the economic tools to rebuild their lives.

2017

In 2017, The transition to funding through the Partnership for Human Development (PHD) in 2017 represented a major shift in the stability and integration of PRADET’s mental health services.

This long-term commitment by the Australian Government (DFAT) allowed PRADET to move beyond short-term grant cycles and focus on a more comprehensive, multi-year strategy for mental health recovery in Timor-Leste.

Key Impacts of the PHD Funding Commitment

Sustainability for PAMM: The Programa Asistensia ba Moras Mental (PAMM) secured the resources needed to continue psychosocial support for people with severe mental illness, which had previously faced funding gaps in 2015.

Psychosocial Rehabilitation Center (PRC): Funding helped sustain the rehabilitation activities, where clients receive capacity building in life skills like gardening, sewing, and music etc.

Integrated Health Approach: As part of the PHD’s 10-year investment (running through 2026), mental health was integrated with other sectors like gender equality and disability rights, ensuring a more holistic service for survivors of trauma.

Community and Family Reach: The commitment enabled ongoing home visits and family counseling, which are critical for the reintegration of clients into their communities.

Through this partnership, PRADET has been able to bridge the gap between clinical medical treatment and the long-term psychosocial recovery required for meaningful life in the community.

In July 2017, PRADET significantly expanded its reach in eastern Timor-Leste with the inauguration of Fatin Hakmatek (Safe House) in Baucau. Established through the generous support of the Government of Japan’s Grass-roots Human Security Projects, this facility provides essential care and protection for survivors of violence

Key details of the event and the facility include:

Dra. Odete Maria Viegas: Represented the Ministry of Health (specifically serving as the General Director of Health Service Delivery at the time).

Sra. Mizuho Fujimura: Represented the Japanese Embassy in Timor-Leste.

Purpose: To provide a “place of serenity” (Fatin Hakmatek) for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse.

Services: The Baucau center provides emergency accommodation, medical-forensic examinations, and trauma counseling for survivors from Baucau, Viqueque, and Lospalos.

Prior to this building’s completion, PRADET operated out of a maternity room at the Baucau Referral Hospital located in suku Tirilolo, which was not ideal for the privacy and safety required for these sensitive services.

In mid-2017, Dr. Rebecca Dale, a specialist in Clinical Psychology, joined PRADET as a technical advisor and played a central role in standardizing the organization’s clinical manual practices. The manual Dr. Dale helped created, became a cornerstone for PRADET’s training of new counselors and social workers. It ensured that even after international advisors finished their terms, the local team had a culturally adapted, evidence-based guide to follow in their daily counseling work.

February to March 20217

The 2016 Australia Awards Fellowship Program, titled “Leadership and Management of Community-Based Mental Health Services in Timor-Leste,” was a targeted initiative held at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) from February 20 to March 31, 2017.

This fellowship played a critical role in strengthening the capacity of Timor-Leste’s mental health workforce by bringing together non-governmental technical experts and government officials.

Key Participants

The fellowship included a collaborative team from both the NGO sector and the Timorese government;

  • PRADET-Represented by Noqueira Soares, Elda Cardoso, Herculano Granadeiro, and Silvina Dulce Dos Santos.
  • Ministry of Social Solidarity (MSS)-Represented by technical staff who are who are for social welfare and mental health support.
  • Ministry of Health (MoH)-Represented by mental health nurses responsible for clinical delivery in the community

The fellowship was designed to directly support the implementation of the National Mental Health Strategy. It focused on developing practical, community-based solutions to transition mental health care from institutional settings to local communities.

2018

In early 2018, Paul Ash joined PRADET, as a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Advisor. During his placement, he worked to enhance PRADET’s internal systems for tracking program outcomes, ensuring that mental health and psychosocial support services were effectively reaching survivors of domestic and sexual violence.

His work built upon the foundational M&E structures established by earlier volunteers like Kelly Warner, helping the organization maintain rigorous data standards for its international donors and partners.

Since 2018, the collaboration between Social Investor (DIMES) and PRADET has been a vital lifeline for the Women Economic Empowerment Program (WEEP) in Timor-Leste.

By providing long-term funding, DIMES helps ensure that women in some of the country’s most remote and underserved regions have the tools and financial stability to build sustainable livelihoods. The program’s strategic focus on these five specific areas is crucial for localized economic growth: Baucau-Viqueque-Lospalos-Oecusse and Atauro.

In March 2018, the John Snow Research & Training Institute (JSI) supported PRADET in facilitating ‘Recognize, Respect, Respond, and Refer’ (4R) information sessions for over 100 health workers across health facilities in Suai and this information session was aimed to upgrade health workers skills to provide proper treatment support to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse while accessing for treatment in the health facilities.

2019

In early 2019, Dr. Aung Myint, a clinical psychologist, joined PRADET as a Mental Health Advisor. His role was supported by the Australian Volunteers Program. During his assignment, he worked with local counselors to provide psychosocial services for individuals experiencing trauma and mental illness, contributing to PRADET’s mission of community-based mental health recovery. His placement was significantly affected by the global COVID-19 pandemic and was evacuated back to Australia by AVI in earlier of 2020.

In June 2019, PRADET was evicted from the National Hospital Guido Valadares compound in Dili. The organization left behind two facilities it had built: one used for Fatin Hakmatek services and another for mental health rehabilitation and office space. To maintain its services, PRADET is now renting two community houses in Dili—one for Fatin Hakmatek services and one for administrative office.

In late 2019, Esther Ridder joined PRADET through the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), specifically as International Advisor for Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS).

Esther Ridder has a Master’s in Psychology and has a critical contribution during the COVID-19 pandemic period. She provided essential counseling and clinical supervision for PRADET staff, helping them manage the heightened emotional toll of supporting survivors during the COVID-19 lockdowns.

2020, from June to November 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, PRADET served as a critical implementing partner for the Ministry of Health and UNICEF, managing the nation’s first dedicated mental health hotline, 12123.

As the trusted implementing partner, PRADET led the following activities to support the Ministry of Health’s Mental Health Department:

Helpline & Data Management: Managing the 12123-call center and its data systems to track community needs and service delivery.

Remote Counseling: Providing psychosocial support through multiple digital channels:

    • Phone Counseling: Direct support via the 12123 -free lines.
    • Social-Media & Virtual Platforms: Offering counseling through Facebook, WhatsApp, and Zoom.
    • Specialized Virtual Support: Delivering virtual counseling specifically for caregivers in 9 residential care facilities.
    • Broadcasting: Conducting educational programs on TV and Community Radio focused on mental health
    • Community Outreach: Conducting targeted education on COVID-19 prevention and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) via community radio in the municipalities of Liquica and Aileu
    • Direct Beneficiary Support: Providing individual and group counseling sessions for those affected by the virus based on specific requests from those in need.

In July 2020, The Asia Foundation (TAF) through Nabilan, amended grant to PRADET to implement “Komesa, Konsiensia, Suporta no Asaun (KOKOSA) program in the community. Since 2014, The Asia Foundation supported grant to PRADET to implement “Personnel Development Course (PDC) in more than 23 sukus across; Suai, Same, Ermera and Ainaro.

KOKOSA! (Komesa, Konxiénsia, Suporta, Asaun) is the Timor-Leste adaptation of SASA! Together, an evidence-based community mobilization approach for preventing violence against women, developed by Raising Voices.

KOKOSA! is implemented over four phases: Start, Awareness, Support and Action. It focusses on benefits-based activism using a gender-power analysis to address the imbalance of power between women and men in the community.

The KOKOSA program implemented in four suku (Mascarinhas, Caicoli, Santa-Cruz in Dili and Letefoho in Same).

2021

PRADET and Caltech Offshore Service Company signed an agreement in October 2021 for the provision of counseling services to Caltech staff.

In September 2022, PRADET renewed its strategic planning for the period 2023-2027. The revision of PRADET’s strategic planning was supported by Action On Poverty (AOP) as one of PRADET’s long-term partners. The activity itself was facilitated by AOP CEO Mr. Brayden Howie in Dili, Timor Leste.

In October 2022, a delegation of PRADET mental health counselors and CNR staff attended a mental health fellowship in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. This capacity-building initiative was supported by RMIT University and included a clinical internship at YAKKUM in Yogyakarta.

2023

In February 2023, PRADET partnered with Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) to provide emergency air evacuations for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) from rural areas to Dili. The objective is to overcome transportation barriers in remote districts, ensuring survivors with severe physical injuries or those in urgent need of medical and psychosocial aid could access to immediate comprehensive services at PRADET centers and the national hospital.

Operational success; During 2023, MAF successfully flew survivors from municipalities such as Viqueque to Dili for critical medical care and also from Atauro to Dili to participate in the hearing process at the tribunal and at the time, the client from Atauro was accompanied by partner from ALFeLa.

Funding Challenges: Despite the vital nature of the service, the memorandum of understanding (MOU) faced significant hurdles due to limited funding. While organizations like The Asia Foundation’s Nabilan Program provide core support to PRADET, specific emergency transportation budgets remain constrained.

In June 2023, PRADET achieved a significant milestone by expanding its mental health services to the Oecusse (RAEOA) Region. Realized through funding from the Partnership for Human Development (PHD) and this initiative represents a critical step in fulfilling the commitment to strengthening the health system in Timor-Leste.

 2024

In October 2024, PRADET and Asia Justice and Rights (AJAR) signed a technical agreement to support collective healing support as a reparative measure approach for victims of sexual crimes committed during Timor-Leste’s struggle for independence.

In November 2024, Action On Poverty (AOP) conducted a final evaluation of the Social and Economic Empowerment Program (SEEP) to assess its long-term impact on beneficiaries. The evaluation focused on the program’s ability to create sustainable livelihoods and improve the quality of life for vulnerable groups, particularly women and survivors of domestic violence.

2025

In June 2025, PRADET and World Vision Timor-Leste formalized a partnership to support workers within the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme. This technical agreement focuses on the “human side” of labor migration, ensuring that the Work-Ready Pool (WRP) and their families are prepared for the social and emotional challenges of working abroad.

Key Pillars of the Agreement

The collaboration aims to maximize the benefits of the PALM scheme through three main areas:

  • Informed Decision-Making: Empowering workers and their families to make inclusive choices about migration, finances, and household management before departure.
  • Healthy Relationships: Providing tools to sustain strong, violence-free relationships despite the strain of long-distance separation.
  • Successful Reintegration: Preparing workers for a positive return to Timor-Leste, ensuring that the skills and income earned abroad translate into long-term stability at home.

In late 2025, the Partnership for Human Development (PHD) facilitated a key step in professionalizing Timor-Leste’s medical forensic capabilities by engaging Dr. Margaret Gibbons as a Technical Advisor.

Standardizing Forensic Training

The initiative focused on creating a uniform educational framework to ensure high-quality forensic services nationwide:

  • Manual Development: Dr. Gibbons led the standardization of both participant and facilitator manuals. These documents serve as the foundational curriculum for forensic medical training.
  • Capacity Building: This process is the precursor to a Training of Trainers (TOT) program. By standardizing these materials, the program prepares accredited Timorese medics from INSP-TL to transition into roles as certified medical forensic trainers.

 November 2025, KOKOSA program officially handed over the program’s management to local leaders and activists in the sukus, ensuring that violence prevention efforts are sustained by the community rather than remaining dependent on external NGO funding.

 2026

Partnership between the Partnership for Human Development (PHD) and PRADET

The 10-year partnership between the Partnership for Human Development (PHD) and PRADET represents a significant-impact investment in Timor-Leste’s health and justice sectors. By focusing on institutionalizing systems rather than just providing temporary aid, the partnership has delivered significant Value for Money (VfM) and a lasting Legacy for the nation.

  1. Partnership Legacy: Institutional Strength

The legacy of this partnership is defined by the transition from external project support to permanent national systems.

  • Standardized Quality of Care: The completion of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Mental Health Referrals and the Medical Forensic Examination Manual ensures that high-quality, evidence-based services will continue as a standard of the Ministry of Health.
  • Decentralized Access: Shifting care from Dili-centric models to the municipal level through Secretariats and the expansion into Oé-Cusse ensures that the most vulnerable populations in rural areas are no longer excluded from vital services.
  • Workforce Sustainability: By embedding training into local frameworks, the partnership has built a skilled Timorese workforce capable of maintaining these systems independently
  1. Partnership Legacy: Institutional Strength

The legacy of this partnership is defined by the transition from external project support to permanent national systems.

  • Standardized Quality of Care: The completion of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Mental Health Referrals and the Medical Forensic Examination Manual ensures that high-quality, evidence-based services will continue as a standard of the Ministry of Health.
  • Decentralized Access: Shifting care from Dili-centric models to the municipal level through Secretariats and the expansion into Oé-Cusse ensures that the most vulnerable populations in rural areas are no longer excluded from vital services.
  • Workforce Sustainability: By embedding training into local frameworks, the partnership has built a skilled Timorese workforce capable of maintaining these systems independently