Bobonaro & Ainaro; 2–3 September 2026 The Cruz Vermelha de Timor-Leste (CVTL), in partnership with the American Red Cross (AmCross) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), welcomed representatives from Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies (MACP) for a field visit to communities supported through the Strengthening Disaster Readiness and Response (SDRR) Programme in Bobonaro Municipality on 2–3 September 2026.
The visit provided the MACP delegation with an opportunity to see first-hand how communities are strengthening their preparedness and resilience to disasters through a range of locally led initiatives. These include early warning systems, disaster preparedness simulations, landslide risk reduction, safe schools initiatives, and climate-smart agriculture.
Community volunteers, local leaders, teachers, students, and families are playing an active role in these efforts, helping to strengthen local capacity and ensure communities are better prepared to anticipate, respond to, and recover from disasters.
In Lebos Village, the delegation visited Molop and EBF Lebos School, where they met with community leaders, CVTL volunteers, teachers, students, and families. The delegation heard directly from community members about their experiences, challenges, achievements, and priorities in strengthening disaster preparedness and resilience.
In Molop Village, the delegation also observed and learned about CVTL’s support to families affected by landslides. The visit provided an opportunity to understand the challenges faced by affected communities and the importance of coordinated humanitarian support and disaster risk reduction at the local level.
Mrs. Emidia Belo, CVTL Disaster Management Department Coordinator, highlighted the importance of working closely with communities to strengthen their ability to prepare for and respond to disasters. The visit demonstrated how community-based approaches, supported by volunteers and local leadership, can contribute to building stronger and more resilient communities.
The visit continued in Ainaro Municipality, where the delegation visited the newly established regional warehouse and the CVTL Ainaro Branch.
The visit to these facilities highlighted the importance of strengthening local operational capacity and ensuring that humanitarian resources and support can be mobilised efficiently when disasters occur.
The field visit underscored the importance of investing in local capacity and community preparedness as a foundation for effective disaster response. Through collaboration among CVTL, AmCross, IFRC, local authorities, community volunteers, and supporting partners, communities are being empowered to take an active role in reducing disaster risks and protecting lives and livelihoods.
The MACP delegation included Alicia Fairfield, Program Officer, Disaster Relief and Recovery, Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies (MACP), and Marilise Turnbull, IRMA, MACP’s Learning and Evaluation Partner. The delegation was accompanied by Mr. Achala Navaratne, Global Division Director for the Asia-Pacific region of the American Red Cross; Mr. Macario Santos, IFRC Representative in Dili; Mrs. Emidia Belo, CVTL Disaster Management Department Coordinator; and other CVTL staff.
CVTL greatly appreciates the partnership and continued support of Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies, the American Red Cross, and the IFRC in strengthening community resilience, enhancing disaster preparedness, and advancing humanitarian action in Timor-Leste.
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