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East Timor ConcertEast Timor is only 450 km from Darwin and has a total area about 7% of the size of Victoria. By * - 17th May 2006 - Back to News The forests are dense and there are arid regions like the dry areas of Australia, the highest peak is more than 3000m and the temperatures range from 15 degrees in the mountains to 40 degrees in the south. Portugal first visited the island of Timor in 1512, however their presence wasn’t really felt until after 1642 when they invaded in strength in order to exploit Timor’s rich sandalwood forests and control its internal trade.
East Timor has been through many changes influenced by the presence of former colonial powers. On the 20th of May, 2002, the Democratic Republic of Timor Leste (East Timor) became the newest nation of the twenty-first century. East Timor is attempting to deal with the new challenges presented by independence, such as the need to empower women economically in a culture that remains deeply patriarchal. 47% of women are widows, 75% of women are illiterate, life expectancy is 55 years (75 in Aus), 45% of children are underweight. Only 41% of children attend primary school (it only costs USD$3/ month) and only 20% of households have running water.
On Saturday June 3 at ARC (Art Resource Collective), Yinnar Olivia and Daniel Hurrell in conjunction with ETWA (East Timor Women Australia) and ARC are holding a special evening of family entertainment to help raise funds for projects in East Timor. All proceeds from this event will go to ETWA and a new community school based in Dili providing free education for children who don't currently have access to schooling.
ETWA raises funds and further awareness of what can usefully be done at the community level by Australians wanting to extend a helping hand to our newest neighbours in nearby East Timor. Many women in Timor support their families by weaving the widely used tais garment worn by both women and men. The woven cloth is also now being used to make other products which are finding markets in the outside world. ETWA supports this village-based industry because it helps the women create a stronger foundation for their families through co-operative making and marketing of their work.
You can assist us to support the development of programs that help address the current issues faced by Timorese people. By supporting our group, you can be assured that your support directly benefits the women we support in East Timor. You can help us by purchasing products made in East Timor, donating fabrics & sewing accessories, becoming an ETWA member or selling East Timorese products on our behalf. And lastly and very importantly, volunteering with us and telling your friends! A little goes a long way in a poor country like east Timor.
ETWA is currently setting up a 'Gippsland Chapter. 'If you would like to provide any support for our group or become a member, call Olivia for details, 0428 221 887.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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