Most people believe themselves to be in favour of Social Justice but
there is often confusion as to what Social Justice really is. It is a
very fashionable phrase and it has grown to mean almost
anything that the user wants it to mean.
Social justice is about preventing human rights abuses and ensuring adherence to international law.
Social Justice is about what is and is not fair and right. To work for
social justice is also to take exception to injustice. Those who suffer
need committed defenders of our shared humanity.
Social justice is a situation where individuals and entire societies
have substantial and roughly equivalent opportunities for the sensation
of human dignity, along with general wellbeing and human development.
Social Justice could also be called social action because very often
when you are performing social service, you also become involved in
solving the problem which created the need in the first place, and the
two are closely related and often blend together.
To have any chance of implementation, social justice needs a critical
mass of supporters who truly understand what they are supporting,
especially if they are to bring others along with them. That, my
friends, is where we come in!
Social Justice has many aspects, including the following four.
SOLIDARITY This means living as though other people and living things
matter. An example of this would be: standing with the marginalised, in
practical ways.
EDUCATION We are obligated to educate ourselves and others about social justice.
COMMUNITY ORGANISING Get involved in the community!
ADVOCACY This is giving a voice to those who have no voice, that is, the
poor, the sick, the shut in, the unborn, the dying, the disadvantaged,
the immigrants, those imprisoned, the homeless, racial minorities etc.
We are called to speak out whenever dignity is endangered;
The obligation of social justice does fall upon each of us as
individuals. However, one person can't do this alone and needs to work
with others. We are very fortunate in our parish to have our social justice focus. For sometime members of
our Parish Community have been involved in very successful projects in
the Solomons, Cambodia and our nearest neighbour. Timor Leste - or, as it was
previously known. East Timor.
This is where we must come together as a focused community;
It is important when we help people to do more than merely give them
handouts - food, clothing etc. Whilst this is good and solves the
problem in the short term, the problem is intrinsically deeper than
that. To really assist people in need, in crisis, we need to give them
the means to help themselves. Thus restoring their dignity.
To achieve this we need a vision of different possibilities, of what
could be. Work for justice in light of this might be as big or small as
we are able to fit into our busy lives. In the parable of the Good
Samaritan, Christ challenges us to help others. Regardless of material
wealth, we all have gifts and talents that will assist in the betterment
of the lives of less fortunate people. You know, it really takes very
little to make a big difference in our lives and in the world. We need
to be humble, believing that the community of Soibada has as much to
offer us as we can offer them. This is a partnership, a friendship, a
two way relationship.
Timor Leste
As the friendship project between Pittwater and Soibada gains momentum,
and support from our community intensifies, questions have arisen about
the origin of relationship and its purpose. So, here are some facts about Timor Leste and our sister village.
Timor-Leste, or as it used to be called, East Timor, is our closest
neighbour, one of the world’s newest nations and the poorest country in
the region. It is a land rich in myth and legend. In one of its mythic
representations, is described as a half-submerged crocodile, wary and
waiting. In another, Timor is mother earth itself, accepting,
long-suffering, supportive of all who rely upon her. The Pittwater
Community’s interest in and commitment to assisting Timor Leste began a
couple of years ago at Maria Regina Catholic Primary School in Avalon.
The support of the Parish and of Pittwater Council has enabled the
project to grow to encompass the wider Pittwater community.
The Pittwater Friends of Soibada, a community based group within
Pittwater, is now very active and making a tangible difference to the
lives of the people in the community of Soibada. The Friendship
Agreement between the two communities has been established in accordance
with the Statement of Principles for Local Governments Working in
Timor-Leste.
Located within the Manatuto District in central Timor Leste, Soibada is
an isolated village with few resources. In the geographical centre of
Timor, Soibada lies in the southern rainshadow of the mountains that
form the central, spine of Timor Island. It is 1.700m above sea level
and covers an area of 129,54 square km. It is comprised of 5 villages
and 10 sub villages and has a population of just over 3,000. The
temperature is considered cool by Timorese standards, ranging between 20
to 29 degrees. Soibada is 135km from Dili,at least four and a half
hours drive, on treacherous, unsurfaced steep and winding roads. It is
completely cut off during the wet season as there is no bridge across
the river. This “road” is the only link to the outside world.
It is picturesque, set high in the mountains with breathtaking views. It
was originally built by the Portuguese in 1898 and has a rich history
of cultural and spiritual significance. From space you can identify the
layout of the old Portuguese town which was intended to become the
capital of Portuguese Timor. The college they established was the only
secondary school in Timor, and overtime it became the leading
school/college. Many of Timor Leste’s school teachers, lay church and
government workers trained there during the first few decades of the
1900s. Timor Leste’s current leaders schooled there for at least a few
years. The school presently has over 600 students ranging in age from 6
years to 16. 78 of these children live in the Convent with the three
nuns. In order to complete the equivalent of Years 11 and 12 the
children must move to Dili.
Soibada has become well known as a sacred place for the Catholic
community in Manatuto and Timor Leste. It is said that Our Lady appeared
on Aitara Hill above the village. Pilgrims from all over the country
gather there on 16 October each year.
The community of Soibada, like all East Timorese communities has been
devastated by past occupation by Indonesian and militia groups and
subsequent turmoil following Independence. The people have been
rebuilding their small community since then. However, they need further
support to increase the health, well-being and capacity of the people of
the village. The purpose of establishing a strong relationship with
Soibada is to provide that support for local projects and build skills
that will contribute to the long term independence and sustainability of
the community.
Any projects to be implemented in Soibada will be determined by the
Soibada community in communication with the Pittwater Friends of Soibada
project team. Father Abel, the Parish Priest and other village elders
have indicated a number of priorities including constructing a floor and
toilets at the local school. There is also a need for a building for
3-6 year olds, a youth centre, a women’s centre and a clinic. In the
future, micro finance for small business will also be investigated. The
community of Soibada has access to resources and tradesmen qualified to
restore the old damaged buildings of the school. However, they have no
funds to do this. Fundraising is a good way for us to contribute. It is a
much better use of resources for them to employ local tradesmen and use
local products. This way we assist in stimulating the local economy by
providing jobs and giving them the means to help themselves.
This
is a partnership, a friendship, a two way relationship. It is a long
term and sustainable project. It needs your continued support in order
to flourish. The positive results of this endeavour are already evident
in our community. Pittwater residents of all ages, backgrounds, business
and community groups are coming together as committed team to ensure
the success of this developing relationship. It is proving to be a
fantastic ecumenical enterprise amongst the churches as well.
Friends of Soibada
Timor-Leste, or as it used to be called, East Timor, is our closest
neighbour, the world’s newest nation and the poorest country in the
region. The Pittwater Community’s interest in and commitment to
assisting Timor Leste began a couple of years ago at Maria Regina
Catholic Primary School. The support of the Parish and of Pittwater
Council it has enabled the project to grow to encompass the wider
Pittwater community.
The Pittwater community has
established a friendship relationship with the community of Soibada
located within the Manatuto District in central East Timor. We met with
the Local District Administrators, Father Abel Guterres, the parish
priest of Soibada who visited us here earlier this year, and the village
elders to make this Friendship Agreement official. It has been
established in accordance with the Statement of Principles for Local
Governments Working in Timor-Leste.
The Friends of Soibada, a community based group within Pittwater, has
been formed to assist this East Timorese community. To ensure a
coordinated approach and accountability to both the Soibada and
Pittwater communities the project will establish a committee to oversee
the administration and development of projects as well as fundraising
efforts. 
Soibada is an isolated village with few resources. It is very beautiful,
high in the mountains in central Timor, it was originally built by the
Portuguese. The community, like all East Timorese communities has been
devastated by past occupation by Indonesian and militia groups and
subsequent turmoil following Independence.
On a good day it takes about four and a half hours to get there from
Dili, the capital city, by 4 wheel drive on unsurfaced extremely winding
roads. However, our adventure lasted over 8 hours and saw us visiting
many villages on the way (okay – yes we were lost).
The people of Soibada have been rebuilding their small community since
independence. However, they need further support to increase the health,
well-being and capacity of the community. The purpose of establishing a
strong relationship with the Soibada community is to provide that
support for local projects and build skills that will contribute to the
long term independence and sustainability of the community.
Any projects to be implemented in Soibada will be determined by the
Soibada community in communication with the Friends of Soibada project.
Currently, they have indicated a number of priorities including
constructing a floor and toilets at the local school. There is also a
need for a building for 3-6 year olds. At the moment these younger
children sit outside their siblings’ classrooms. The older children care
for them during their breaks from class.
There are many ways you can become involved in Friends of Soibada.
Nominate to become involved on the Committee
Join up and become a supporter of the Friends of Soibada
Identify a fundraising project that you can undertake in your community
Identify resources that may be contributed to projects in Soibada
Donate to the fundraising efforts
Attend and support fundraising events
The community has as much to offer us as we can offer them. The people
have a very strong faith and trust in God’s providence. Even after all
they have suffered they have an inner strength and positive outlook that
is enviable. Although often unsure where the next meal will come from
the three nuns in the convent provide a stable and loving home for the
78 children that live there. The children show care and concern for each
other and for their environment. The entire community has a sense of
spirit and love that binds them together like a family.
Father Abel was able to show us the purchases he made with the money
we raised during his visit earlier this year and the financial records
that the community has kept. The difference we as a community can make
in Soibada was very evident. The children happily showed us their new
desks and chairs – received just in time for their exams!
This is a partnership, a friendship, a two way relationship. It is a
long term and sustainable project. Your help is needed to ensure the
success of the Friends of Soibada project. Please watch this space for
weekly updates.
The heartland of Timor Leste has historically been its mountainous
interior. However, its rough, jagged, terrain has made it almost
impossible for the development of large continuous settlements. Thus,
the mountain inhabitants have traditionally lived scattered in small
groups. The village of Soibada is a good example of this type of
arrangement. Although radiating around the central church, convent and
school buildings the village stretches far across the neighbouring
ridges and valleys down towards the river. Compact fields cling to the
slopes and homes with impossibly beautiful views perch precariously atop
steep and slippery rock faces.
The majority of the population in Soibada are subsistence farmers. They
produce maize, vanilla, corn, beans, citrus, cassava, potatoes,
pumpkins, sweet potatoes, taro, tapioca, carrots, cabbages and avocados.
Coffee, candlenuts, and cocoa are also extensive in the highlands, and
especially in Soibada ‘s sub-districts.
Some villagers also raise livestock, including cattle, water buffalo,
goats, sheep, rabbits, chickens and pigs. Farm animals have excellent
potential to become a cornerstone of East Timor’s economic development.
Cattle ownership largely determines social status and cattle are
valuable financial assets for farmers. They are more valuable than
goats, sheep and pigs from a social point of view but they are not as
easy to trade. The latter can be sold easily whenever farmers face
economic difficulties. They provide funds for emergency needs such as
children’s schooling, deficits of staple foods in poor seasons, or
funerals.
Farmers are reluctant to slaughter animals for their own consumption,
except during funerals, festivals or wedding celebrations. Livestock
range freely with little restriction. They are periodically penned or
tethered after one or two days grazing. Pens are often set some distance
from houses. Farmers have freely grazed their animals on common
pastures for hundreds of years, and these pastures, whether native or
introduced, provide a cheap source of feed. However underfeeding is
common.
Erosion in this wet steep location is exacerbated by heavy grazing. Pigs
are generally reared traditionally without pens. Underfed horses are
common and provide transport for people and produce, especially in the
mountains where there are no roads suitable for public or private
vehicles.
Please contact me on
tamara.harding@bigpond.com.au or 0403 226 699 or 9157 0999 (xtn 24) with any queries or if you would like to become involved.
Tamara Sloper-Harding