Volunteering is about showing our commitment to our Timorese partners at Klibur Domin (KD) by contributing our most valuable commodities, our time and presence. Time spent volunteering raises our awareness and helps bring us closer together through real world experience, strengthening our commitment to support KD’s work.
Part of Ryder-Cheshire Australia’s function is to support KD to build capacities and skills, and one of the most valuable and effective ways to do this is through on-the-ground contributions from volunteers.
KD has received roughly 500 Australian and other international volunteers since 2001. Ranging from short visits of a week to long-term roles of a year or more, individual volunteers and groups have supported a diverse range of KD activities on a one-off basis and through ongoing return visits.
Some common misconceptions that can hold people back from making a personal contribution by volunteering at KD include:
Age – No one is too young or old as long as you are in good health to travel in a group or independently.
Skills and experience – Everyone can contribute in some way by using their physical, mental, or creative skills and abilities.
Having a specific task – Flexibility, willingness to help, and a can-do attitude will put you on the right track.
Travel experience – Timor-Leste is a safe and friendly place and there is a supportive team behind you to ensure that you have an enjoyable and rewarding visit.
Language/culture – Australian and other international volunteers have a long history and well-regarded presence at KD and in Timor-Leste generally. A few greetings and courtesies in Tetum is always helpful.
Time – Even short visits can have big impacts.
When volunteers share what they know and what they do best, there is a positive outcome for KD and it is mutually rewarding for the volunteer. RCA volunteers share a great diversity of skills, resources, and experience with KD staff in the areas of construction and maintenance, gardening and agriculture, art, music, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, mental health, dental care, medical lab, IT, finance, and administrative support.
If you or someone you know feels that they could make a personal contribution to support KD in person, now is a great time to get started.
Martin 2024