Rua Villa Nova, Suai, Covalima — Timor-Leste
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Programs & Initiatives

Programs

Five pathways for Covalima's young people to lead change — rooted in culture, powered by community.

Program 01

Youth Empowerment

We nurture the next generation of leaders through competitions, workshops and mentorship.

  • Public speaking competitions and leadership workshops.
  • Training in advocacy, organizational skills and community mobilization.
  • Mentorship programs connecting youth with elders and regional networks.
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Program 02

Indigenous Knowledge & Culture

We safeguard and revitalize the wisdom of Timor-Leste's communities, from Tara Bandu to oral history.

  • Promoting Tara Bandu (customary law) to protect forests, rivers and sacred sites.
  • Documenting oral traditions, rituals and local histories for youth learning.
  • Supporting cultural festivals and creative arts that celebrate Indigenous identity.
  • Encouraging intergenerational transmission of knowledge between elders and youth.
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Program 03

Food Sovereignty (Sistema Fini Lokál)

We strengthen community resilience by reviving local seeds and climate-resilient farming.

  • Reviving local seed systems to protect biodiversity and food security.
  • Promoting agroecology and climate-resilient crops like millet, cassava and taro.
  • Training youth in sustainable farming and cooperative enterprise.
  • Linking food sovereignty with cultural identity and livelihoods.
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Program 04

Climate Change & Renewable Energy

CJC is at the forefront of climate action — from solar for schools to regional climate dialogues.

  • Implementing solar energy projects for schools and community centers.
  • Training youth in renewable energy maintenance and innovation.
  • Hosting dialogues on climate finance and just transition in ASEAN.
  • Advocating for Indigenous stewardship of land and water as climate solutions.
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Program 05

Enterprise Development

We back youth-led businesses and creative spaces rooted in local tradition.

  • Coffee shops, crafts and eco-tourism ventures rooted in local tradition.
  • Branding and design initiatives that highlight cultural motifs.
  • Financial literacy and step-by-step guides for banking and administration.
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