Volunteering is the backbone of civil society in Timor-Leste — and also where good intentions most often go wrong. Three things make it work for everyone.
- Ask what is needed. The organisation knows. A day of your skills on their priority beats a week on yours.
- Commit to a time. Half a day every Saturday for three months is worth more than one enthusiastic week.
- Respect safeguarding. Volunteers working with children or survivors are screened and briefed; that is protection for them as much as for you.
International volunteers: check your visa class and any registration your sending organisation requires. Local organisations cannot sponsor what they do not know about.