Philanthropy
East Timor Trading Group’s commitment to Timor-Leste’s growth is guided by its core philosophy, ‘Building the Future Together’, which reflects its commitment to people, community, and sustainability through education, philanthropy, environmental responsibility, and sustainable business practices.
From sponsoring community events to education and school-building projects across Timor-Leste, we believe that, at the core of a family-owned business such as East Timor Trading, lies a fundamental commitment to giving back to the community.
Our Director of Corporate Social Responsibility, Zeenat Awan Aluwihare, guides our philanthropic work with a particular focus on The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #5: To Achieve Gender Equality and Empower all Women and Girls.
Preschools
Education is the cornerstone of a strong and prosperous society.
Among our most significant endeavors is our initiative to establish preschools across all 13 districts, each providing education for up to 80 students. Named the Avo Ana Irena Olimpia De Almeida Preschools, this important program began in 2016 with our inaugural preschool in Metinaro in collaboration with HE Ms Kirsty Sword Gusmão, former First Lady of Timor-Leste and Founder of the Alola Foundation. We now have four schools in operation, with more opening each year.
When the first school was built, less than 10 per cent of Timorese children were attending regular preschool facilities. Our school-building initiative will systematically increase the number of children with access to preschools across Timor-Leste.
ETTG extends its sincere gratitude to the dedicated teachers and staff who work tirelessly every day to nurture young minds. Their commitment is to plant the seeds of change and inspire a brighter tomorrow for Timor-Leste.,
Read about each of our preschools at Metinaro Dili, Aipelu Liquiçá, Claet-Rema Emera, and Buruma, Baucau
Metinaro, Dili Preschool
Aipelu, Liquiçá Preschool
Claet-Rema, Emera Preschool
Buruma, Baucau Preschool
Supporting government and NGO initiatives
During natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic, ETTG has supported government initiatives by donating tangible goods such as transport and food or meals to ensure supplies reach the communities where they are most needed.
Under the State of Emergency caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, ETTG staff visited sucos in the city of Dili, including Comoro, Bebonuk, Colmera, and Bidau, to provide essential food supplies to lower-income families. We also provided essential supplies to the Department of Health to be distributed to isolated communities across the country.
As part of an ongoing assistance program, we provide essential goods to underprivileged communities across Timor-Leste, either directly or through government departments or NGOs working in these areas.
Sponsorship and volunteering
Sponsorship and volunteering is a cornerstone of the company’s community-based activities and one of our most active programs.
We are proud sponsors of dozens of community events in Timor-Leste, ranging from clean-ups and sporting events to literacy programs and global events such as International Women’s Day, as well as local events such as the Dili International Film Festival.
Environmental initiatives
ETTG’s environmentally friendly business practices are guided by our alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and Timor-Leste’s 2011-2030 Development Plan.
Whilst some NGOs had made the switch to solar power, ETTG was one of the first private companies to install a system of this size.
We’re also very happy to have given young Timorese technicians the opportunity to develop their skills and experience in this sector.
Continuous education
East Timor Trading Group values the extraordinary hard work put in by our employees. As such, we provide continuing professional education and training opportunities for staff to ensure they are able to consistently increase their skills and enjoy workplace satisfaction.
