Publishing Bella Galhos’ Autobiography
Bella Galhos has moved people around the world with her courage, resilience, and unwavering dedication to justice. From surviving unimaginable hardship during Timor-Leste’s darkest years to becoming one of the country’s most influential human rights advocates, Bella’s life is a testament to the power of hope — and the strength it takes to reclaim one’s own story.
Today, Bella is undertaking one of the most personal and transformative projects of her life: writing her autobiography. With Earth Company’s support of US$30,967, Bella revisited memories that are both painful and empowering, crafting a book that she hopes will serve as a voice for survivors, a record of Timorese history, and a beacon of inspiration for future generations.
This project is not just about publishing a book. It is an act of healing, remembrance, and legacy-building.
At a Glance
Once a victim of human trafficking, child soldier, exile, and refugee – now a fearless female leader to create the sustainable and inclusive future of East Timor.
For her entire childhood, Bella had to endure the absolute unimaginable. Sold for a mere five dollars at the age of four to her country's invaders, and later spent her adolescent years, from the age of sixteen, as a soldier in the resistance fighting for her country’s liberation.
Post East Timor's independence in 2002, its people and land have been decimated by occupation and war. The decades of conflict led to the deprivation of their ability to love, nurture, or even hold ambitions for a brighter future. Though the country's and her past was grim, Bella's love and blazing will for her country know no bounds.
Drawn by her bottomless passion and energy, Earth Company chose to support Bella in her efforts. Thanks to our generous supporters, the Leublora Green School (LGS) opened its doors in May 2015 to ensure a brighter future for the children of East Timor, and in 2017 the Leublora Green Village (LGV) to promote eco-tourism, provide financial sustainability for the school, and empower marginalized women.
A Work in Progress
In her update to Earth Company in the end of 2024, Bella shared that she is now writing her final chapter. Together with the editor, she has revised chapters, re-shaped storylines, and worked through deeply emotional material. Bella describes the writing process as “so hard in all aspects,” yet she remains steadfast in her commitment.
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