W H Y E A S T T I M O R ?
East Timor has had many struggles throughout its history with different nations being in control at different times. This changed in 2002 when the East Timorese people voted for Independence and is still one of the world's newest nations. East Timor is only 1 hour north of Darwin by plane making it our closet neighbour. Since Independence, the people of East Timor have continued to struggle to provide some of the basic necessities of life after the devastation caused by the departure of the Indonesian people.
B A H A R E D U K
The village of Bahareduk is located in the mountaineous region in the north of East Timor about three hours away from the capital of Dili. Seventy eight families live there in precarious housing, often made of bamboo and wood materials.
Poverty contributes to malnutrition and sickness. Nutrition is basically restricted to rice and salad leaves. Sometimes there is corn and manioc and meat supply is limited to pigs, chickens and cattle raised by the village people.
The mountains isolate the area from the rest of the nation. The food market and basic health care are more than two hours away on foot. Access by road is limited - the road only goes partway, then there is a river to cross and then no roads. During the wet season it is almost impossible to cross the river. Despite this, the Bahareduk people possess a vigorous joy and are extremely hospitable.
Local politics are conducted by an elected leader who is recognised by the government. The national language is Tetun and the local language is Idate.
PARTNERSHIP WITH
Youth With A Mission began in 1960 and is a global movement of Christians from many cultures, age, groups, and Christian traditions, dedicated to serving Jesus throughout the world. Also known as YWAM (pronounced "WHY-wham"), we unite in a common purpose to know God and to make Him known.
Youth With A Mission was established in East Timor in 1999 and has provided a continued service to the communities in the cpaital Dili and in different Districts in East Timor.
The vision for Bahareduk is to transform a community by providing a dignified quality of life, through access to education, health care, jobs, good nutrition and accommodation.
E A S T T I M O R P R O J E C T
The East Timor Project was launched in June 2014 and in 2024 as Westbourne Park Uniting Church renewed their commitment of support, we saw the opportunity for a refresh including a new logo.
Each element of the logo was poured over as we sought to create a simple brand which demonstrates our connection to Bahareduk and East Timor.
Over the years we have been involved with a variety of activities including;
Education
Water
Building
Medical
Gardening
The texture in the logo colours is to represent a tais. These are traditional woven cloths worn by both men and women in East Timor, and are made into tablecloths, bookmarks, bags and more by locals for the Western culture. Each time we have visited Bahareduk and East Timor, the team are presented with a tais as a token of appreciation from the locals and/or the YWAM Staff.
The adjusted A in East of the logo is a reflection of the East Timor flag. The star on the flag symbolises hope for the future.
