Timor-Leste

Democracy and Development in Action through Media and Empowerment (DAME)

On the 23rd of August 2012, SFCG signed a contract for a new project funded by the European Commission and the Ministry of Finance of Timor-Leste. The project aims to strengthen the democratization process in Timor-Leste and further stabilize the country by building non-state actor (NSA) capacities while improving channels of communication between citizens and decision-makers.

To enhance engagement between NSAs, decision-makers, and their constituencies in the development process, we will work to bring about:

1. Verifiably strengthened operational, technical, and financial capabilities for national and local NSA networks, as well as media and youth organizations involved in the project.

2. Increased capacity and mechanisms for NSAs as well as local and national government to collaborate more effectively via inclusive dialogue, coordination, and partnership.

3. Greater public knowledge of democratization, policy making, NSA activities, and conflict sensitive development.

Some activities designed to meet these objectives include:

• Organizational capacity assessments for partner NSAs following Organizational Development and Conflict Transformation Trainings for local and national government actors as well as NSAs on inclusive decision-making, collaborative action, and effective engagement

• NSA-Government Dialogues/Coordination Meetings 

• Youth Civic Leadership Schools, Youth Forums at National and District levels, and nationally-televised panel discussions and inter-university debate competitions Weekly radio talk-show programming, Public Outreach Service Announcements (POSAs) and nationally-televised dialogue events

• Trainings for radio professionals and media professionals

• Small-scale community development and peacebuilding initiatives

• Giving Youth Entrepreneurship Service grants

• Research and development of Policy Briefs

SFCG’s main implementing partner for this project, BELUN, is a national organization established in 2004 that has substantive relationships with more than 100 Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) and NGOs in all 13 districts. They have more than a decade of experience in NSA capacity building and sub-grants as well as managing large government grants. Moreover, this action will also enhance the results of their EWER program.

SFCG will work in collaboration with key stakeholders, including but not limited to: national and community radio stations; governmental bodies; local authorities; the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT); and a range of grassroots media, youth, and CBOs.