A big part of ETWA’s role in supporting LO’UD Cooperative is connecting them with skilled, energetic and giving volunteers to participate in ‘Volunteer Residencies’ in Timor-Leste.
This involves matching areas of expertise identified by the cooperative with unique, courageous and willing individuals who have the expertise. Volunteer Residencies are self-funded and last anywhere from 2 – 6 months, are based in Lospalos, working directly with cooperative members in both Lospalos and Illiomar, giving full opportunity for volunteers to immerse themselves into community, environment, culture and language in order to apply their expertise to support LO’UD’s sustainability.
Both ETWA and LO’UD provide support through the recruitment and engagement phases and processes; including building mutual understandings about the role and context of the position, to travel, budgets and logistics. These positions are supported through ETWA’s partnership with Air North so discounted flexible airfares are available to the volunteer.
If you’re interested in finding out more, read all about Bridget’s experience and/ or contact ETWA for more information.