Sustainable Development Goals
The Project
Re-Loka operates as a not-for-profit organization registered as a foundation which is the owner of the social enterprise RELOKA TIMOR. Profits from sales from the social enterprise are re-invested in the foundation’s projects to increase their reach. Re-Loka operations are controlled by a board and their producers.
The beneficiaries are marginalized women and girls, including women in prison, women (and some men) with a disability, women living in remote locations and single mothers.
The organization was founded by Hilly Bouwman and Celso da Fonseca, who both volunteer to develop the organization. Re-Loka officially registered as a business in July 2023 but has been active since 2018. It is a small local organization, focussing on the creation of local production, with the aim to educate, and provide income/business to our beneficiaries. They now have three paid staff members and three volunteers, all women. Re-Loka sustains itself through funded projects and through their social enterprises.
They focus on innovative use of local resources, such as up-cycling of waste, but also on textile arts, and natural dyes, as a means for business development for the most vulnerable women in Timor-Leste.
Re-Loka has requested a Permaculture Specialist for a 12–24-month placement.
Main Responsibilities of the volunteer:
- Teaching, testing, preserving and business development of natural dyes and natural dye resources and cotton
- Promotion of waste reduction, education of youth and promotion of up-cycled products
- Promoting the traditional and modern textile craft in Timor-Leste, including embroidery and use of sewing machine
- Capability building of local employees and volunteers
Support Provided:
- Accommodation and meals
- Small monthly living allowance
- National language training
- Comprehensive preparation and ongoing support, including peer support
The Location
Re-Loka operates from Hera, which is a coastal hamlet in the Dili Municipality, Timor Leste 13km from the city of Dili. The town is situated nearby to the nearby hamlets of Oecusse and Ermera where Re-Loka also has some operations.
The Challenge
Re-Loka envisions an inclusive society, where everyone, regardless of their differences and vulnerabilities, can enjoy equal opportunities and economically thrive with respect for their indigenous culture and nature.
It is their mission to empower our beneficiaries’ economic situations and promote participation and inclusiveness for all in economic environments by promoting the use of local resources and products, strengthen creativity and creating a healthy and sustainable living environment.
In order to achieve this mission, Re-Loka has identified four objectives:
- The innovative use of local resources and products is promoted
- Knowledge and skills for economic development are transferred
- Everyone, regardless of their situation, can contribute to society. No one is left behind!
- A healthy and sustainable living environment is promoted and preserved.
About You
This placement is perfect for a permaculture professional looking to make a real difference while gaining invaluable international experience.
If you have knowledge of about small farm-holder cotton production and natural dye resources, this would be very useful, as Re-Loka is about to start indigo plantations.
Volunteers should possess these personal qualities:
- Commitment to teamwork, coaching, and mentoring others
- Awareness and sensitivity of cross-cultural settings
- Personal attributes of flexibility, patience and a sense of humour. Friendly, open to learn, patient, non-judgemental; good communication skills; able to explain things simply; able to understand different accents and English as an International Language
- Cultural sensitivity and openness to working within a different cultural context
- The ability to cope with cultural isolation and different living standards, and a willingness to participate actively with fellow staff to build strong relationships
How You Will Help
Your skills and experience in permaculture will help with rebuilding traditional and introducing modern agriculture, dying and craft skills to the local community. Your strong communication skills, adaptability, and compassionate approach will assist co-workers and beneficiaries in the project.