Food Security Program in Matata
Meet Cristina Clotilde da Costa, one of the beneficiaries of our Food Security Program in Matata, Railaco. Cristina is a mother of two, and her family depends on farming for their livelihood. She is deeply grateful for the opportunity to learn new farming methods from the Food Security team, especially techniques for planting vegetables. “I […]
Elsa’s dedication reflects the heart of JSS’s mission
Jesuit Social Service (JSS) is proud to highlight the impactful work of Elsa Pinto, who has been a dedicated Jesuit collaborator for the past three years. Through the Food Security Program, Elsa works hand-in-hand with local communities to bring meaningful, lasting change. Elsa’s work reaches across communities in Railaco, three schools and into two villages […]
From Seeds of Hope to Fruits of Change
A Story of Transformation – Cornelio de Deus, Railaco Cornelio de Deus (36), from Fatukero, Railaco, currently serves as an officer with the Food Security (FS) Program at Jesuit Social Services (JSS). A dedicated husband to Maria Bernadete (28), and father of two children—Silvio and Zerlia—Cornelio and his family began their journey in 2019. Although he was without […]
Food Security and Its Impact on the Local Community
Food security is one of the programs of Jesuit Social Service (JSS) aimed at supporting local communities in Timor-Leste by teaching them proper methods to grow vegetables and produce vitamins from the crops they plant. This supports local families in having healthy food. In 2023, one local family in Malame, Hoholau village in Aileu municipality, […]
JSS WASH Program Provides Sanitation for Local Families in Timor-Leste
In 2022, Jesuit Social Service (JSS)-Timor-Leste expanded its mission to provide sanitation to local communities across the country. According to Fr. Julio Sousa, SJ, the Director, “JSS provides one sanitation facility for each household, using either the traditional one-septic hole system or the two-septic receptor alternating system.” To date, nearly 50 households have benefited from […]
A Legacy of Care and Growth: Amandio Lemos and the Jesuit Farmlands of Dare.
A hidden gem of natural beauty may be found not far from the bustling city of Dili: the Jesuit farmlands in Dare. A spot where Amandio Lemos, a dedicated custodian, nurtures the land’s potential for growth. For almost three decades, Amandio, along with Fr. Francisco Tansui, SJ, an Indonesian missionary who spent 14 years in […]
Transforming Lives Through Service: Nelia’s Journey at Mobile Clinic Railaco
In 2021, Nelia began her journey with the Mobile Clinic Railaco, stepping in to fill the position vacated by Mana Nivia during her maternity leave. Nelia didn’t expect her tenure to last long, as she anticipated Nivia’s return. However, as Nelia shared, “God’s plan always brings surprises. After a few months of working, when Mana […]
Community Health Education (CHE) Training for Jesuit Social Services (JSS)
From 13 – 19 of November, the staff of Jesuit Social Service (JSS) participated in their first “Training of Trainers” (TOT) program on Community Health Education (CHE). The event marked an exciting milestone for the team, as they take on new skills and strategies to enrich service to local communities. It is evident that God […]
Supporting Health and Faith: The Jesuit Mobile Clinic’s Mission in Railaco
It’s hard to believe that it was 20 years ago when the Jesuit Mission in Timor-Leste established the Mobile Clinic in Railaco to serve God’s people, not only through pastoral work but also by helping the community physically. In 2004, the Mobile Clinic began its work to assist the community around Railaco, who face obstacles […]
“Uniting Faith and Action: Addressing Timor’s Ecological Crisis”
In a time of immense environmental challenges—from climate change to biodiversity loss—the world urgently needs a moral and spiritual response. The ecological crisis threatens not only the planet but also the livelihoods and dignity of countless people, especially the most vulnerable. In recognition of this, the Jesuits have made ecology a central part of their […]