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| Alola Foundation 19th Anniversary Timor-Leste |
Can you help keep Fundasaun Alola operational during this time?
"We live in unprecedented times". How often have you heard that phrase in recent months? We are experiencing a lifestyle that was unimaginable even 3 months ago. We hear about the trends in Europe and the US and think ourselves fortunate to be so far away, thankful to once again be part of the 'lucky country'. But we hear little about the impact on those countries without the capacity to ramp up their health systems for the potentially catastrophic spread of the virus. Timor-Leste is one of those countries, one of our closest neighbours.
At the time of writing this letter, Timor-Leste has 24 confirmed cases of COVID-19. The country is in a state of emergency and subsequent lockdown.
What does this mean for our partner organization Fundasaun Alola?
CEO Macu Guterres tells us,
"Fundasaun Alola offices in Dili and Baucau are closed and staff have been asked to work from home. However, the management team and donors are working hard to develop new plans to adapt to this situation."
In a showing of Fundasaun Alola's trusted position and adaptability, the Maternal and Child Health team have commenced working with the Ministry of Health to educate remote villages on the prevention of COVID-19 in 5 villages in municipality of Liquica. This work is important in providing factual information about the spread of COVID-19.
Whilst this work is vital during this time, sadly the core programs carried out by Fundasaun Alola, such as infant and new mother care, early childhood education, women's cancer support and economic empowerment programs, have been forced to stop.
"Most funded activities of FA involve project teams travelling to visit vulnerable rural communities, often very isolated areas. Many activities involve community meetings and face to face contact with participants. Some activities require physical contact, for example the health team can identify malnutrition by measuring the upper arm of infants, pregnant women and mothers. Other activities have a high risk of physical contact, for example the education team working with preschoolers in home-based alternative preschools," Macu said.
Due to the cessation of these activities, some program donors have withdrawn a proportion of their funding. This leaves Fundasaun Alola in a very challenging position. These funds are necessary for keeping Fundasaun Alola operational, and help cover things such as financial management, logistics management, communications, human resources,
information technology and premises and insurance costs. As Macu explains,
"The FA management team has identified ways to reduce some operational costs during the lock-down in ways that do not reduce the capacity of Fundasaun Alola's Office and Administration Support team in the future. Despite this, there will still be a shortfall of estimated $20,000 USD."
Funding the core of an organization is often not seen as attractive, but at present this
is what is clearly required. It is critical that organisations such as Fundasaun Alola
are able to continue operating during this time, both to support COVID-19 activities
and to ensure they are ready to resume their vital work after this situation has eased.
Can you support the critical work of Fundasaun Alola? Your gift will help ensure that Fundasaun Alola will remain strong and prepared for a post pandemic future.
With thanks for your support, friendship and solidarity.
Dr Kirsty Sword Gusmão, AO
Chair, Fundasaun Alola
All donations above $2 are tax deductible.
HOW TO DONATE
A. Online via PayPal, through our website: alola.org.au, or
B. Send a cheque made out to: Alola Australia Limited, PO Box 382, Abbotsford, VIC 3067
C. By direct deposit into our bank account as follows:
Alola Australia
Bank Australia
BSB: 313 140
Account Number: 121 844 03
So that we can acknowledge your donation and send you a Tax Receipt, please send an
email with your name, donation details and amount to friends@alola.org.au Support the vision of Alola "Strong Women, Strong Nation" "Feto Forte, Nasuan Forte"
ALOLA AUSTRALIA
Address: PO Box 382, Abbotsford, VIC 3067 AUSTRALIA
Phone: (+61) 0437 983 070
Email: friends@alola.org.au
Website: www.alola.org.au
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