Klibur Domin (KD) welcomes all volunteers – both those with specific skills to share with the KD staff, and those with a desire and willingness to help with whatever needs doing.

Nestled in the foothills of the mountains running the length of the island of Timor, KD is about 2.5 km inland from the Tibar Lagoon and experiences sea breezes of an afternoon year-round. The Wet Season, basically our summer, can be a bit of a shock – hot, very humid and surprise surprise lots of rain. The Dry Season, our winter is much more my style – still hot, a bit humid, a bit dusty and a lot less rain. I’d once have said no rain – but last year the Dry Season surprised me. There are few things better than letting all your cold family and friends know how lovely and warm the weather is where you are!

The KD complex contains administration buildings, medical and dental clinics, short-term accommodation for low-dependence patients and longer-term accommodation for a number of more seriously ill patients. There is also a home for high school students with disabilities who go home during the holidays. And of course, there is great accommodation for volunteers.

Modelling a strong work ethic and a commitment to doing what is needed – not what you think is needed – is essential. The wonderful KD staff make volunteers very welcome. A working knowledge of Tetum or Portuguese, the two official languages, would be a great advantage – but certainly not essential. Most staff speak some English and a number are quite fluent.

I first worked at KD in 2000. I was already committed to the values of Ryder-Cheshire, but I fell in love with the people and the place. I feel sure KD will have the same effect on you and you’ll want to return.