Timor-Leste Today

The current situation in Timor-Leste

Timor-Leste has made significant improvements in the last twenty years. It is now a more stable, peaceful and better governed country since independence, but progress has stalled with the impact of COVID and some political instability. It is heavily dependent of foreign aid and most of the government’s revenue comes from oil and gas. 

Lack of access to basic resources

With a population of 1.3 million people poverty levels are still at 42%. Many Timorese do not have access to reliable clean drinking water and nutrition. Many of the people live in rural areas live without adequate access to health care, education, and employment. Personal development is hampered by the high rate of stunting in children under five due to lack of these resources.  

There are major barriers to women’s and girl’s empowerment with fewer opportunities for education and access to employment. 

ATLAS Helps

ATLAS has various programs to help address some of these issues – including projects to support health, creating job opportunities, and supporting teachers and schools in remote areas. We have a scholarship program targeted towards helping young women gain senior education qualifications.