USAID supports $ 250 million to Timor-Leste’s peaceful and inclusive development

DILI, 28 march 2022 (TATOLI)- The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) together with the United States’ Embassy in Timor–Leste had supported $250 million to Timor-Leste’s peaceful and inclusive development since 2002 up to now.

“USAID wishes, all the project which is implemented will contribute the peaceful and inclusive development in Timor–Leste” USAID Mission Director Zema Semunegus told reporters at the KLABIS FORUM in the Embassy of U.S, Praia dos Coqueiros, Dili on this monday.

U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Tom Daley and USAID Mission Director Zema Semunegus informed that, several areas of ongoing and future cooperation and development highlights, including:

$250 million contributed by USAID since 2002 to support Timor-Leste’s peaceful and inclusive development.
$92 million expected contribution by USAID between 2021-2026 to strengthen Timor-Leste’s economy and governance.
200 Pfizer vaccines and over $5.9 million in U.S. assistance to help Timor-Leste fight COVID-19.
194% increase in average household savings of beneficiaries of USAID’s Avansa Agrikultura project – from $178 to $525 per household.
$2,661 in average annual incomes for farmers and agribusinesses participating in USAID’s Avansa Agrikultura project – an increase from $235 before the program.
3,000 community members and 280 health providers participated in USAID’s Harmonia project to drive an end to gender-based violence against Timorese women and children and improve health services for victims of gender-based violence.
5,000 people in 16 sucos in Covalima are working to model peacebuilding and healthy, equitable, and non-violent relationships through USAID’s Healthy Relationships for a Violence-Free Future program.
$38 million in savings for Timorese businesses through increased efficiencies developed through USAID’s Customs Reform project.
New agricultural curriculum deployed in 13 municipalities to support vocational schools to transform subsistence farming into active market participation.
1,150 farmers assisted in adopting new, innovative technologies as well as new crop varieties like strawberries, broccoli, watermelon, and green bell peppers in 2021.
87% reduction in E. coli-contaminated water sources in Oe-cusse through USAID’s environmental conservation work from 2015 to 2021.