EAST TIMOR
PWJ's East Timor operations in 2006 were greatly affected by the disturbance that occurred in April and May. The international staff was forced to move temporarily out of the country and local staff, born in the eastern part of the country, was unable to enter the site of operation in the west due to deep-rooted provincial antagonism. Even under such difficult circumstances, PWJ's coffee producers' support operation managed to produce, about 26 tons of coffee beans in its fourth year, which was exported to Japan, more than double the amount of the previous year. PWJ carried out emergency relief operations in the face of a great number of internally displaced people (IDPs), which resulted from the disturbance.
Tomoaki Kanamaru (center) discussing
how to carry out support operation
with other relief organization.
(C)Peace Winds Japan
In relief operations for the IDPs camps within the capital city of Dili, PWJ assisted in the management of four to five IDPs camps in the city depending on the season. PWJ conducted a survey on the needs of the IDPs and coordinated efforts among various relief organizations. PWJ also collected, washed and donated to the government the emergency tents, which were no longer needed as the IDPs moved out of Dili. In its support to the three eastern districts (Lautem, Baucau and Viqueque), PWJ's relief operations consisted of a wide variety of support including distribution and transportation of rice, and restoration of irrigation and water supply systems for short-term employment of IDPs. In cooperation with the Japanese NGO, International Peace Assistance Center (IPAC), PWJ sponsored training workshops for school teachers and those involved in education, aimed at introducing to schools "dialogue promotion education" as a part of its emergency relief operations. PWJ also participated in translation work of the teaching materials.
Coffee production which cropped
more than twice as much as in the previous
year despite the disturbance.
(C)Peace Winds Japan
While PWJ continued its technical guidance aimed at producing high-quality coffee, PWJ put its emphasis on strengthening the producers' association, "Café Tatamailau." During the first term (fiscal years 2003 through 2005) PWJ put emphasis on improving the quality of the coffee. In this year, the first of the second term, PWJ has worked closely with leaders of coffee producers and drafted rules and regulations for the association in preparation for them to register their organization with the government and perform export procedure by themselves. PWJ collected ideas from the general public to help design the association's logo. One logo design out of 112 submissions was chosen to be the symbol of the association. A women's group was also organized among the participating households to promote life-improving activities. It was decided to hold meetings regularly. PWJ plans to take every step to encourage the association members to take part positively in the self-sustaining operation of "Café Tatamailau".
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Tomoaki Kanamaru (Field representative of PWJ East Timor Project) |