Timor-Leste's Flood Relief
As if the political turmoil in the state wasn’t enough, in March 2020, the capital city of Dili was hit by a devastating flood—the worst the country had seen in decades. Entire neighborhoods were submerged, and families living along the riverbanks lost nearly everything. With no warning from the government, many were caught completely unprepared.
Just two weeks after the flood, Timor-Leste was placed under a national lockdown to contain the spread of COVID-19. As the country came to a standstill, daily-wage workers, small business owners, and street vendors—many of whom were still recovering from the flood—were once again plunged into crisis. With little to no income and delayed government aid, many families were left without a way to feed themselves.
Earth Company stepped in with timely and meaningful support. This funding allowed Leublora Green Village (LGV) team to respond swiftly to two overlapping crises: the flood and the COVID-19 emergency. The support focused on providing relief to the most vulnerable families in and around Dili.
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.
House Renovation and Household Items Distribution
Following consultations with local community members, two families in Bidau were identified for house renovation support. Both households were women-led, with no income due to old age. They received essential construction materials—including timber, cement, triplex, bamboo, nails, iron rods, sand, stones, and bricks—to begin repairing their damaged homes. Seven families in Bidau received household necessities to help them rebuild their daily lives. This included sleeping mattresses and essential kitchen items such as cooking pots, utensils, and serving ware.
Emergency Relief for COVID-19-Affected Families
Recognizing the severe impact of the lockdown on low-income communities, LGV distributed food and hygiene supplies to 115 families across multiple neighborhoods: Bidau, Becora, Dare, Ai-Tarak Laran, Manluana, Bebonok, and Tasi Tolu. Each family received a relief package including rice, noodles, canned fish, milk, cooking oil, sugar, face masks, handwashing soap, and detergent to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
Due to lockdown restrictions and the absence of public transport, most relief packages were delivered directly to families’ doorsteps. During deliveries, LGV team also shared essential health information on COVID-19 prevention, such as the importance of wearing masks and frequent handwashing.
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