If you've been shopping on our website lately, you may have noticed that our coffee items come with an option to "buy a book for a child in Timor."
Wild Timor Coffee work with The Alola Foundation to raise money for school books for Timorese children. The purpose of the books is to encourage the children to speak their own dialect (there are thirteen different versions, each one a different dialect.) The books are colourfully illustrated, making the learning process fun while increasing literary skills.
These books are relatively cheap at $2 a pop, but are incredibly valuable to each recipient.
So, what is The Alola Foundation?
In a nutshell, the Alola Foundation seeks to nurture women leaders and advocate for the rights of women, particularly in Timor-Leste. Thier vision is "to see the women of Timor-Leste having equal status in all aspect of life".
During the militia attacks of September 1999 in Timor-Leste, sexual violence against women and girls was becoming more and more widespread. In 2001, former First Lady Kirsty Sword Gusmao founded the organisation to raise awareness. Today they provide a wide range of vitally important support programs for the women and children of Timor-Leste.
Working with community groups and individuals, Alola programs aim to improve maternal and child health, create employment, promote human rights, strengthen community development, and improve the status of women. Alola is committed to developing strong women who will be the leaders of the future in Timor-Leste. All Alola programs support the Government of Timor-Leste to achieve the National Development Goals.
Getting a school book for a Timorese child with your next coffee purchase is one small way Australians can be involved in helping the people of Timor-Leste work towards a better future for all.
Every bean counts!