Volunteer activities of the Royal Thai Embassy and Thai Community in Timor-Leste in Oecusse to support endeavours in addressing malnutrition and poverty in local communities

During 21-24 March 2025, Mr. Thanachai Wachiraworakam, Minister-Counsellor, led a delegation of officials and staff from the Royal Thai Embassy in Dili, along with representatives of the Thai community in Timor-Leste, to participate in volunteer activities in Oecusse. The activities included the handover of essential items such as kitchen equipment and food staple, to the "Dapur ba Povu" (People’s Kitchen) programme in Oecusse. The programme, an initiative of His Excellency President José Ramos-Horta of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, began operations in Oe-Molo village in Oecusse in November 2023, with an objective of promoting good nutrition among children and youth. Addressing malnutrition is a high priority of the Timorese government, development partners and local NGOs, given its long-term implications for the country’s future population.

On this occasion, Mrs. Henriqueta Maria da Silva, Deputy Chief of Staff of the President of Timor-Leste, along with Ms. Inacia Tamele, Secretary of Education, and Ms. Merita Marques de Jesus, Advisor on Gender and Inclusion, represented the Special Administrative Region of Oecusse-Ambeno (RAEOA) to receive the donation items. The delegation also assisted in preparing lunch for 300 children and elderly residents from Oe-Molo village.

Additionally, the delegation donated used clothing in good condition, sanitary and personal items, as well as stationery and educational toys to the orphanage and childcare facility at the Missionary Sisters of the Rosario Dominicana in Oecusse.

The activities are part of an ongoing initiative by the Royal Thai Embassy. In 2024, the Embassy, in collaboration with the Thai community in Timor-Leste, supported the "Dapur ba Povu" programme at Kantina Matak, the Presidential Palace in Dili, as a volunteer activity in commemoration of the auspicious occasion of His Majesty the King’s 6^th Cycle Birthday Anniversary on 28 July 2024. The Embassy also continues to support local organisations dedicated to empowering women and other vulnerable communities in Timor-Leste, such as Casa Vida and the Alola Foundation.

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