Weaving centres: Central to our cultural/community ethos is the building of centres for weaving, social and education purposes for each of the three groups, inclusive of a Cultural and Sustainability centre in Los Palos for research and development. The first centre in the Iliomar village of Fuat was completed in December 2010. We have formed qualitative partnerships with Rotary International (roofing), the Alternative Technology Association (Australia) supplying solar panels with requisite infrastructure for lighting and power, and with East Timorese NGOs PERMATIL and Rural Cooperative Development to support organic cotton farming and the application of permaculture processes to increase food security and propagate medicinal and dyeing plants.

International Volunteer Placement: ETWA currently has an experienced Community Development Officer working with the in-country CTKDS Program Manager in Lospalos. They work together with the 3 CTKDS communities in the Lautem district of East Timor, assisting them to develop long term, viable economic frameworks for sustainabe community projects. The CDO placement is supported by Australian Volunteers International and ETWA, and works on initiatives such as product design, sustainable organic agriculture, computer training, literacy, marketing etc. Fundraising for specific projects is done in Australia and East Timor and is implemented by our Volunteer together with CTKDS members and the CTKDS Program Manager.

Schools Program: A community education program has been developed, which involves students working together on a common project to benefit both the Timorese community and the student community. We have range of useful education resources and are looking for a dedicated volunteer to assist in delivering the whole process.

Cultural Tourism Weaving Tours: the opportunity to provide cross-cultural experiences to members, supporters and the broader community. With a focus on indigenous weaving and fair trade development, participants discover how women live in traditional society and also as citizens in an emerging democracy. Extended visits to communities in the eastern corners of the island, along with participation in village life and traditional weaving workshops, offer an authentic and engaging experience.

Health Project: In consultation with the weavers, several ETWA members qualified in healthcare, conducted research into the women’s health over a 2 year period. This study exposed significant health issues arising from the postural demands of traditional weaving practices, with associated problems exacerbated by the impoverished circumstances resulting from the long years of East Timor’s occupation. A full report has been published, with key problem-areas established. These will be used to develop Health Initiatves including health education and vision projects. The Weaving Centres currently being built, with their purpose-developed lighting and healthy working environments, are a good first step to improving the women’s health.

Business Development: a critical initiative to improve product sales; which is the lifeblood of the ETWA/ CTKDS relationship. As well as maintaining solidarity markets, we acknowledge that entering mainstream markets expands the customer reach of CTKDS product and increases the potential for sales turnover. Research shows that mainstream consumers are open to ethical consumption and that this is now reaching conventional markets due to demand and awareness of fairtrade practices. ETWA's online shop has been developed to meet the ever-increasing online market and to be able to reach customers in a broader setting.

Bookmarks: Sold all over Australia to bookshops, libraries, organisations, schools, and retailers supportive of ETWA's work in East Timor. They provide a reliable, income generating margin for the CTKDS weavers.

Chocodile Business Initiave: Chocolate crocodiles representing the Crocodile Creation Legend of East Timor. Made by local Melbourne chocolate makers Hahndorf's with gourmet chocolate, they are fast becoming a legend in their own right at Easter, for repeat customers wanting an ethical alternative to mainstream chocolate. Our Chocodiles are a long term fundraiser to support ETWA’s operations, both locally and in Timor.

See the menu bar for details, photos and updates of these projects.