East Timor is just one hour’s flight north of Darwin – yet seems like a vastly different world.  The world’s newest nation is also one of the poorest, with 50% of its 1 million people living on less than $1 per day.  The country is still recovering from its traumatic history and a culture of violence. 

UNICEF estimates that 65% of East Timorese children suffer some form of abuse.  The majority of victims are girls.  There is a great need for places of refuge and healing.

The Casa Vida “House of Life” project is supported by the Foundation and is caring for 30 girls who have suffered abuse.  The Foundation recently took a mental health team to train the workers .  During this trip, we were privileged to meet a young girl called Anita, who was part of the program and shared her story with us.

Anita is 18 years old and is from Balibo.  There are eight children in her family.  Her mother has passed away.  In her own words she says “I was facing some problems at home with my uncle who was abusing me.  I ran away and went to another person’s home.  The police came and took me to their office.  I was very afraid and thought I would be taken to a women’s prison”.

Anita was referred to Casa Vida, which is the only project for young girls who have suffered abuse in East Timor and she began the process of healing.

“They received me so well and were so nice to me.  I have been here 1 year and have received so many blessings in that time.  I’ve finished secondary school and want to continue my education in order to help my family” she said. 

Anita is currently working at Café Aroma, which was established by Casa Vida to provide employment and vocational skills for the girls.   She is now earning enough to pay the rent for her family’s home and says she enjoys serving customers and interacting with them. 
When you speak to her, there is a sparkle in her eye and hope in heart.  

 “I have so much to thank Casa Vida for.  So many girls like me have been helped by this place in a short time.  Despite where I came from, I have been so blessed”.