Dili, July 8, 2025 (Média Democracia) – In Timor-Leste, the socio-economic situation continues to face many challenges. Many people live in undignified conditions, including families who reside in makeshift shelters due to a lack of access to permanent housing, clean water, food, electricity, education, and other basic needs.
President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta, continues to implement various social measures to defend the basic rights of all citizens, especially families living in vulnerable conditions. He remains deeply concerned about extremely impoverished families living in temporary shelters without access to electricity and adequate food.
“The Civil Society and Social Affairs Service Office recently conducted a direct observation of the living conditions of one family in Tasi-Tolu (Danau-1), Dili, who have been living in a small makeshift shelter for over a year. The family consists of five children, four girls and one boy, all still very young,” said President José Ramos-Horta.
He explained that the eldest daughter, named ‘Paya’, is 10 years old, and the second, ‘Moko’, is 7. Both girls have lost their right to education unlike other children, as they were forced to leave primary school due to the family’s economic hardship. The other three children remain at home one boy lives with both parents, while the two youngest girls are staying with their grandparents in the countryside. Despite living in such undignified conditions, the family remains hopeful and continues striving for a better future for their children.
Meanwhile, Robino Florival do R. Madeira, the father and main provider of the family, continues to make every effort to support them. His main source of income is working as a garbage collector in Tibar.
“I collect whatever materials I can to earn some money and use it to buy rice and food for the children. In one week, I might earn between $5 and $10. Some useful items I find, I bring home to reuse, like plastic tarps that help cover our shelter,” Robino said.
He added that every day, he collects waste (including metals, plastics, cans, and other recyclables), and that this activity represents a ray of hope for his family, as it provides the income he needs to buy rice, food, and other necessities.
On the other side, Teresa dos Santos Ximenes, General Coordinator of the Civil Society and Social Affairs Service Office, expressed encouragement for the family, stating on behalf of President Ramos-Horta that support will continue to be provided to help ensure the children have access to education.
“Our President, based on what he sees and feels, asked us to come here, bringing with us his support. Their needs are many, but we’ve already helped a little, for example, arranging for the two young daughters to stay with the nuns so they can attend school, which helps lessen the burden the family has been enduring,” said Teresa dos Santos Ximenes.
She expressed gratitude to the presidential team, especially to President José Ramos-Horta, whose personal initiative led to sending the team to visit the site, provide basic assistance, and support the children’s access to education.
Additionally, concerns expressed by the family, who continue to request the President’s help in reaching out to the relevant government bodies to extend electricity and provide a clean water tank. This would enable the family to access clean water without needing to walk long distances and help fulfill basic daily needs.
Reporter: Nelfiano
Photo: Domingas