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August 2005
Congratulations on your decision to join the Peace Corps in East Timor. I assure you that the next few years will be among the most exciting, adventurous, memorable, and challenging of your life. You have an especially wonderful opportunity to work in East Timor. Few people are able to participate in the creation of a new nation, to watch a country struggle to establish a new government, and to assist average citizens in learning how to participate in and guide their own local development. It would be like watching our own country's founders during the first few years after our own struggle for independence. There is an unquestionable need for the Peace Corps in East Timor. There is valuable work to do that will yield tangible and lasting benefits. Our program here is new and in flux, like the country itself, and staff have been working hard to identify good work and living sites for you. After a 10-week training program, you will be assigned to live and work in a rural village. To help you integrate into the community and learn the language, you will live with a host country family for at least six months, and preferably for your entire two years of service. As you probably know, East Timor is a post-conflict nation that emerged from the ashes in 1999. Since that time, there have been enormous efforts by the United Nations, multiple foreign-aid agencies and nongovernmental organizations to assist East Timor in its recovery from the initial chaos, and to set in place a viable democratic government with an economic base. As part of this effort, a United Nations peacekeeping
This presence has been significantly reduced over time and full withdrawal was projected for 2005. Gene Ward Country Director . The staff and Volunteers of Peace Corps/East Timor very much look forward to meeting and working with you in beautiful East Timor.force has been in East Timor since 1999.
Map of East Timor A Welcome Letter Peace Corps/East Timor History and Programs History of the Peace Corps in East Timor History and Future of Peace Corps Programming in East Timor Country Overview: East Timor at a Glance History Government Economy People and Culture Environment Resources for Further Information Living Conditions and Volunteer Lifestyle Communications Housing and Site Location Living Allowance and Money Management Food and Diet Transportation Geography and Climate Social Activities Professionalism, Dress, and Behavior Personal Safety Rewards and Frustrations 1 7 7 8-10 13 14-16 16-17 17-19 19-20 20-21 23 29 29-30 30-31 31-32 32-33 33-34 34 34-35 35-36 36-37 37
Peace Corps Training Overview of Pre-Service Training
Technical Training Language Training Cross-Cultural Training Health Training Safety Training
39 39-40 40 40-41 41-42 42 42 42-43 45 45-46 46-47 47-48 48 48-49 49-51 51-57 52-53 53-54 54-57 57 57-58 58-60 63 64-65 65-69
Additional Trainings During Volunteer Service Your Health Care and Safety in East Timor Health Issues in East Timor Helping You Stay Healthy Maintaining Your Health Women's Health Information Your Peace Corps Medical Kit Before You Leave: A Medical Checklist Safety and Security—Our Partnership
Factors that Contribute to Volunteer Risk Summary Strategies to Reduce Risk Support from Staff
Security Issues in East Timor Staying Safe: Don't Be a Target for Crime Preparing for the Unexpected: Safety Training and Volunteer Support in East Timor Diversity and Cross-Cultural Issues Overview of Diversity in East Timor What Might a Volunteer Face?
Possible Issues for Female Volunteers 65-66 Possible Issues for Volunteers of Color 66 Possible Issues for Senior Volunteers 66 Possible Issues for Gay, Lesbian, or Bisexual Volunteers 67 Possible Religious Issues for Volunteers 67
Possible Issues for Volunteers With Disabilities Possible Issues for Married Couples
67-68 68-69 71 77 85 91 95
Frequently Asked Questions Wecome Letters From East Timor Packing List Pre-departure Checklist Contacting Peace Corps Headquarters
On May 21. specifically mentioned East Timor in the context of a growing Peace Corps presence throughout the world. embassy and the U. Bush. The first group of new Volunteers arrived in April 2003 to work in local governance and community health services promotion. as third-year extending Volunteers. mission in the country. As experienced Volunteers.S. The invitation to the Peace Corps to work in East Timor originated with the provisional government and was transmitted to senior government and Peace Corps officials in the United States. The diplomatic note formally establishing the Peace Corps program was signed soon afterward by Nobel Peace Laureate and East Timorese Minister of Foreign Affairs José RamosHorta.S. representing more than 10 countries where Peace Corps Volunteers served. or "Timor of the Rising Sun") was the first new Peace Corps program of the 21st century. President George W. former President Bill Clinton congratulated the Peace Corps on its entry into East Timor during his speech in the country's capital as he officially opened the U. 2002.Two more groups A WE LCOM E BOOK · EAST TI MOR 7 .P EAC E C O R P S / EAST TI M O R H I STO RY AN D P R O G RAM S History of the Peace Corps in East Timor East Timor (more correctly known as Timor Loro sa'e. they were able to prepare a foundation for the future. 2002. Peace Corps staff worked to establish the fledgling Peace Corps program before the official independence of the new country on May 20. The first group of 19 Volunteers arrived in East Timor on June 21. in his State of the Union address in January 2002.
and that assignments may not precisely follow original formal job descriptions. Since the start of Peace Corps in East Timor. implementing. • Enhancement of traditional food and livelihood security strategies through training and orientation in gardening. continue to evolve. and managing grass-roots project activities. small-scale agriculture. nutrition. Each district encompasses a number of subdistricts. This means as new Peace Corps Volunteers you should expect that your project may change during your service. each with a district capital where district administrations are located. small-income generation. 8 PEACE CORPS . Peace Corps/East Timor is in an ongoing learning process about the country and its needs. History and Future of Peace Corps Programming in East Timor Administratively. HIV/AIDs. we have been working to meet the basic community development needs in areas such as organizational development. health promotion. water and sanitation. As such. and nutrition. As a new program. Within each subdistrict are villages and hamlets governed by either or both traditional and elected village chiefs. environment. our two projects. community development and health promotion. much like counties in the United States. and women's and youth development. with Volunteers serving in both health promotion and rural community development. Peace Corps/East Timor's community development project is integrated around several objectives: • Increased participation of rural communities and community-based organizations in defining.arrived in 2004 and one group in 2005. East Timor is divided into 13 districts.
While the main job of district health management teams is responding to immediate health needs. Volunteers are A WE LCOM E BOOK · EAST TI MOR 9 . and • An emphasis on collaborative projects and activities that link communities and organizations and promote selfreliance and decreased dependency on outside donors. especially youth. girls' education. Volunteers target community members. These initiatives include information and communications technology. village clinics. and the environment. Other areas that may be avenues for Peace Corps support in the future include agroforestry and cooperative/small business promotion. long-term. In East Timor. In addition to community development and health promotion. Volunteers help these teams with preventive health education and promotion activities. and mobile clinics. and sustainable. women. The development needs in rural East Timor are enormous and cover a wide range of project areas. and children because these sectors of the population are usually the most in need and the benefits that accrue are typically the most dramatic. The 13 administrative districts also host district health management centers. These provide preventive and treatment services.• Greater and more significant participation of women and youth in all facets of community-level projects and development activities. Peace Corps/East Timor focuses on "global initiatives" that cut across project lines and provide secondary work opportunities for Volunteers in all project areas. HIV/AIDS education and prevention. Volunteers also focus on capacity-building with health service providers. the legacy of the Indonesian occupation means that most current service providers have never done health extension work and often face many other challenges in the management of their everyday work.
doing geography projects. Other popular secondary project areas are teaching English and computer skills. especially to women and youth.encouraged to identify "secondary projects" in their communities that address real needs as well as tap into their own particular interests and backgrounds. Most Volunteers work with youth—supporting and training youth groups. Still others are doing small-scale demonstration gardening and dry-land permaculture. and developing afterschool activities such as sports clubs. from women's clubs to a pottery cooperative. 10 PEACE CORPS . Several Volunteers are strengthening small community groups.
Tetun and Portuguese are the official national languages. many of them recent immigrants from rural areas. cultural and linguistic characteristics. some Timorese. roughly the size of New Jersey.000. Kemak. Because of the country's long occupation. The capital of East Timor is Dili. whose metropolitan area consists of about 125. with some European influence from the Portuguese colonization. There are more than 30 indigenous languages in East Timor.000 square kilometers (7. and Tokodede.C O U NTRY O V E R V I E W: EAST TI M O R AT A G LAN C E East Timor occupies the eastern half of the island of Timor. East Timor's strategic position in southeastern Asia has resulted in a highly diverse population. which is situated at the farthest eastern end of the Indonesian archipelago. English and Bahasa Indonesian have been designated by the government as official "working" languages. and Papuan physical. Borneo. East Timor itself covers an area of approximately 19. Makasae. which is known as Tetun-Dili or Tetun-Praça. Other important languages are Fataluku. still speak A WE LCOM E BOOK · EAST TI MOR 13 .600 square miles). Java. and Sulawesi) form the major part of the present-day nation of Indonesia. which together with the Greater Sundas (mainly Sumatra. The people display Malaysian. Mambae. Timor is the largest of the Lesser Sunda Islands. Galolin. but the common language is a mix of the indigenous Tetun language and Portuguese. The first national census completed in July 2004 found the total population at 925.000 persons. especially in the older generation. Portuguese was imposed on the East Timorese as the colonial language. Polynesian.
Timor was claimed by both the Dutch and the Portuguese until the island was formally divided into the eastern and western territories in 1914. have been occupied continuously since early Paleolithic times. The Portuguese retained as a colony the eastern half. none of the present groups occupying the islands can be traced far into prehistory with great certainty. Of the three land campaigns fought against 14 PEACE CORPS . with their capital in Kupang. neither colonial power could claim full control over its respective territory until about 1915 because of the island's rugged topography and the fierce resistance of the various indigenous kingdoms. with their capital in Dili. which is testimony to the fluid movement of populations in the greater region during past millenniums. Outside of the district capitals. The colonial period of the island of Timor was largely characterized by the rivalries of the Dutch and Portuguese kingdoms from the 16th through the 19th century as they competed for the resources of the archipelagoes of extreme southeastern Asia. and many more speak Bahasa Indonesian. probably for more than 800.000 years as recent discoveries of early proto-humonid remains on islands near Timor have confirmed. while the Dutch held the western half. That the island of Timor has been a crossroads is evident from the large number of ethnic and language groups.Portuguese. a local language is is often spoken along with Tetun. However. East Timor was occupied by the Japanese from March to December 1942. they established military outposts in key areas to defend holdings against encroachment from other powers. However. As they struggled for economic advantage. including Timor. History The eastern islands of the Indonesian archipelago.
a continued association with Portugal in the transition to independence (UDT. 1976. By the time Australian A WE LCOM E BOOK · EAST TI MOR 15 . The nascent conflicts among the three groups were cut short by a massive land. air. the Timorese had organized into three political movements that advocated complete and immediate independence (represented by FRETELIN. or Timorese Popular Democratic Association). 1999. By 1975. or União Democratica Timorense).the Japanese in the southwest Pacific during the first year of the Pacific War. or integration with greater Indonesia (APODETI. Many Timorese were forced into combat and suffered during this occupation. with the support of the Indonesian military and police. When the results of the referendum were announced on September 4. the one fought on Timor is the least well known. when the "Carnation Revolution" in Lisbon toppled the dictatorship in Portugal and that country's colonies were precipitously cut loose from colonization. The modern period of East Timorese history began in 1974. and the East Timorese voted overwhelmingly for immediate independence. That vote was held on August 30. and naval assault on the territory by Indonesia in December 1975 and its declaration on July 17. While FRETELIN continued to lead a popular struggle for independence in the following years. that East Timor constituted the 27th province of Indonesia. political change in Indonesia led to an international agreement to hold a popular referendum in East Timor to determine the territory's political future. waged a furious war of retribution. This resulted in unimaginable loss of life and property in a few short days. enraged local militias in favor of union with Indonesia. or Revolutionary Front for an Independent East Timor). The world community was left aghast at the sudden and unexpected fury of the retaliation.
2002. They were interested in establishing a productive economy in rural areas. the territory was governed by the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor. Burned-out hulks of buildings and downed electric lines litter the East Timor coutryside even today. The Australians were only the first arrivals in a United Nations-sponsored mission to restore peace to the territory. 16 PEACE CORPS . the territory was governed for the benefit of colonial traders in extractive and plantation products. During the hundreds of years of Portuguese occupation. and rebuilding district capitals into versions of Indonesian regional government centers. the Indonesians asserted their own brand of authoritarian control that reflected the politics of their country. often hereditary chiefs). Although that mission is largely accomplished.000 had become refugees (many against their will) in West Timor. the United Nations still plays a supporting role in the new government. delegating authority in rural areas to military commanders allied with appointed chiefs (who replaced the traditional. For three years. As many as 90 percent of all buildings and infrastructure were destroyed. a process that was largely concluded by the official date of East Timorese independence on May 20. thousands of Timorese had perished and nearly 200. whose mandate was to help the Timorese form their own government. so they introduced efficiencies in government by importing a large BahasaIndonesia-speaking bureaucracy.peacekeepers arrived on September 20 to enforce a hasty peace. After occupying the territory in 1975. Government The most notable thing about East Timor's government is that it has neither history nor tradition. Loose control over rural areas was established through alliances with traditional local chiefs and kings.
The first prime minister of East Timor is Mari Alkatiri. Thousands of international advisors from dozens of countries arrived to assist the Timorese in the onerous task. has only seven members in the 88-member Parliament in contrast to FRETELIN's 55 seats. by the United Nations. and the president is the enormously popular "Xanana" Gusmão. a major factor in the country's economy has been the millions of dollars in foreign assistance that flowed in to keep the immediate peace and begin rebuilding a rudimentary infrastructure. the Democratic Party. literally from scratch. Not surprisingly. The president is a declared independent. and a judicial system. and the powers of its various branches are still being tested. a unicameral National Assembly. a revolutionary hero in the long struggle for independence. Effective power is shared by a prime minister. it is difficult to predict the final shape it might take. even though he was the most visible figure of the FALANTIL-led independence struggle for many years. from the majority FRETELIN party. heads a cabinet of ministers.The Indonesian government structure's authoritarian basis proved to be an unacceptable model for a newly independent nation. Alkatiri. In addition. many of whom were in exile in Mozambique during the period of struggle. The largest opposition party. Since the government is relatively new. The United Nations mission was one of the first fullscale exercises in state building. A WE LCOM E BOOK · EAST TI MOR 17 . Economy The economy of East Timor was utterly shattered by the events of 1999. From 1999 to the present. the new government structure that emerged was essentially an amalgam. representing a consensus on what a modern democratic government should look like and how it should be structured. and a post-conflict economy is only beginning to take shape. while popular support is vested in a democratically elected president.
Most rural people survive by subsistence agriculture supplemented with low cash income from coffee and some rice and vegetable production. East Timor has been ranked as the poorest nation in Asia and one of the poorest in the world.high-salaried foreign advisors and development workers contributed to the creation of a secondary economy of relative wealth and luxury alongside the general poverty of the nation. although treaties with the Australian government are still under 18 PEACE CORPS . ranking 158th of 177 countries in the United Nations Human Development Index of 2004. Many young people are unskilled or unemployed. The per capita GDP was estimated at $497 in 2002. decimated buffalo and cattle herds are only slowly being recuperated. The East Timorese are pinning most of their hopes on the considerable gas and oil deposits found offshore midway to neighboring Australia. It is difficult to say how much of that wealth has trickled down into the population at large. There is considerable small-scale fishing in the coastal regions. but it barely provides a living income for fishing families. The domestic economy is slowly being re-created based on the cultivation of export coffee and rice. Much of the currency inflow after 1999 was directed toward foreign-owned businesses and enterprises in the capital that catered to the needs of foreign residents. Irrigation systems that would allow for increased rice and vegetable production are only beginning to be rebuilt. At minimum. the East Timorese government should be able to recover nearly $180 million per year in royalties from oil sales in five years' time. and the international price of coffee does not guarantee long-term promise for that export crop. More than half the population lives below the poverty line with more than 40 percent of the population living on less than 55 cents per day.
negotiation. liurai (literally. Two important aspects of Timorese culture are the beliefs in the necessity of retribution for wrongdoing and the need for redistribution of wealth. but no economically exploitable fields have been identified so far. and it will probably take years before final shares are adjudicated. The island has been divided since prehistory into territorial kingdoms consisting of confederations of small principalities and chieftaincies. which emphasize a world shared by the living and the spirits of ancestors. The traditional hereditary leaders. The clergy enjoys a level of respect equal to that given to traditional leaders. and even neighborhoods in urban areas recognize the authority of traditional chiefs and proper respect must be paid to them (some of whom may be women) to live and work in A WE LCOM E BOOK · EAST TI MOR 19 . wielded considerable power. People and Culture While the Timorese have always contested political authority from outside. The Timorese feel that their country is entitled to a greater share of the offshore fields. they were expected to defend territory (and wage war) and to ensure a fair distribution of wealth. sucos. often accompanied by the sacrifice of an animal and a feast. There is evidence of both oil and gas on the island itself. Yet the Catholicism of most Timorese is heavily tempered by traditional animistic beliefs. To the present day. Important events like the inauguration of public buildings or projects are usually marked by both a religious blessing and a traditional ceremony. Members of the community who are considered to be wealthy are expected to bear a larger burden of the costs of public celebrations. they have embraced certain aspects of the Roman Catholic religion. those who "walk above the earth"). the rural aldeias. In return for tribute.
so that an area on the northern side of the island might be almost desertlike while a nearby area on the southern side might be lush and green. Village elders are also important to local social organization and their authority is deferred to as well. The complex geography of the island means that it is more aptly described as a mosaic of microclimates. agricultural patterns 20 PEACE CORPS . and areas above about 6.000 feet can be quite chilly. during which there can be considerable rain. lasts from November to April. East Timor is divided in half by a mountainous spine that runs east to west. or malae. Not surprisingly. even in the capital. The monsoon season. Environment Geographically. Foreigners. the cooler and wet northern and southern uplands. foreigners are seen as being wealthy and often are expected to pay higher prices than Timorese.each area. The climate is generally hot and subject to both rainy and dry seasons. and the hot and wet southern slopes and lowlands. are usually regarded with some distrust until their good intentions are proven or demonstrated. The rugged terrain results in both "rain shadows" and catchment areas. especially at night. and in the path of prevailing monsoons but. Traditional cultural practices and beliefs are still very strong. which is largely populated by recent immigrants from rural areas. East Timor is in a tropical zone. Rural Timorese were largely isolated from external events until three or four generations ago. Temperatures vary considerably according to altitude. As a general rule. for the most part. There are three major climatic zones: the hot and dry northern lowlands and slopes. not in the path of typhoons. the dry season extends from May to early October.
and the uplands are heavily planted with coffee. which contribute to erosion and degraded soils. the hot and wet lowlands support more intensive rice cultivation and larger herds of buffalo. beans. squash. Large areas of East Timor are devoid of the tropical forests and indigenous vegetation that once covered the island. the drier areas have large amounts of pasture (hosting cattle. most agriculture is subsistence-based and dependent on slash-and-burn techniques. especially outside the coastal plains. A WE LCOM E BOOK · EAST TI MOR 21 . and goats) and land used for cultivation of corn. sheep. Regardless of the zone. and root crops (cassavas and yams). In the north.conform generally to these zones. In the south. however.
General Information About East Timor www. If you do not have access to the Internet. we hope you will keep in mind that the Peace Corps is not for everyone. you can learn anything from what time it is in Dili to the average annual rainfall in the country. The opinions expressed are not those of the Peace Corps or the U.R E S O U R C E S FO R FU RTH E R I N FO R MATI O N Following is a list of websites for additional information about the Peace Corps and East Timor. we cannot guarantee it.countrywatch. Just click on East Timor and go from there. A note of caution: As you surf these sites. and no two people experience their service in the same way. As you read these comments. www. or to connect you to returned Volunteers and other invitees. Libraries offer free Internet usage and often let you print information to take home. Please keep in mind that although we try to make sure all these links are active and current.S. You may find opinions of people who were unhappy with their choice to serve in the Peace Corps. government.com On this site.com/destinations Visit this site to learn all you need to know about any country in the world.lonelyplanet. A WE LCOM E BOOK · EAST TI MOR 23 . visit your local library. be aware that you will find bulletin boards and chat rooms in which people are free to give opinions and advice based on their own experiences.
gov. including initial information from the 2004 census.S. that contain comprehensive historical. 24 PEACE CORPS . such as the Library of Congress.yahoo.com/clubs/peacecorps This Yahoo site hosts a bulletin board where prospective Volunteers and returned Volunteers can come together.com/library/maps/blindex. www.state. Connect With Returned Volunteers and Other Invitees http://clubs. www. and political background.cyberschoolbus. www.htm This site includes links to all the official sites for governments of countries around the world.www.htm This online world atlas includes maps and geographical information about countries around the world. State Department's website issues background notes periodically about countries around the world. www. http://dne.psr.keele.ac.un.worldinformation. social.asp This United Nations site allows you to search for statistical information for member states of the UN. Each country page contains links to other sites.com This site provides an additional source of current and historical information about 228 countries worldwide.geography.gov The U.uk/official.org/infonation/info.mopf.tp/ Statistics from the East Timorese government's National Directorate of Statistics. Find East Timor and learn more about its social and political history.about.
Browse the Web ring and see what former Volunteers are saying about their service.org This site is known as the Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Web Ring. It provides links to various additional sites related to East Timor.org This site is administered by the East Timor and Indonesian Action Network. www. www. Online Articles/Current News Sites About East Timor http://news.etan.uk/1/hi/in_depth/asia_pacific/2002/east_ti mor_independence/ This section of the BBC's website provides an overview of East Timor's path to independence and current news about the country.org This site is hosted by a group of returned Volunteer writers. www. an advocacy group based in the United States.undp. It is a monthly online publication of essays and Volunteer accounts from countries around the world.rpcvwebring.peacecorpswriters.http://www.co.org Site for the United Nations Development Programme. A WE LCOM E BOOK · EAST TI MOR 25 .undp.east-timor.bbc.org/ Information on the United Nations Development Programme in East Timor. International Development Sites About East Timor www.
Agency for International Development's work in East Timor with links to other sites. London: Cassell Academic. Boulder. 1997.net Information on the U. Cambridge. Self-Determination in East Timor: The United Nations. 7. The Crossing: A Story of East Timor. London: Lonely Planet. Peter. 2001.au/country The website of Australia's international aid agency.: Rienner Publishers. Bitter Dawn: East Timor.gov. 2002. 5. Luis. Books About the Peace Corps 1. East Timor: The Price of Freedom. Turner. London: Pluto Press. New York: Zed Books. et al. Taylor. London: Granta Books. which contains information about East Timor. Ian. Cristalis. Recommended Books about East Timor 1. East Timor's Unfinished Struggle: Inside the Timorese Resistance. Banerjee. Matthew. the Ballot. Martin. Indonesia's Eastern Islands.www. Cox. 2001.S. 1995. Colo. 2000. and Peter Carey. John G. 6. So You Want to Join the Peace 26 PEACE CORPS . www. 1998. Irena. Steve.usaideasttimor. Cardoso.: South End Press. Generations of Resistance: East Timor. and International Intervention (International Peace Academy Occasional Paper). a People's Story. 3. Mass. 2.ausaid. Dillon. Jardine. 4.
Peter. Living Poor: A Peace Corps Chronicle. Hessler. 5. 8. Susana. 2. Fla. Tidwell. 1996 (paperback). Keeping Kennedy's Promise: The Peace Corps' Moment of Truth (2nd ed. 2003. Erdman. Come as You Are: The Peace Corps Story. Lucas. The Ponds of Kalambayi: An African Sojourn. LLC. New York: Harper Perennial. 3. Redmon. Cambridge: Harvard University Press. and Kevin Lowther. New York. Moritz. 1986. 7. Nine Hills to Nambonkaha: Two Years in the Heart of an African Village. Sarah. Coates.Y. 6. 1997 (paperback). 1990.: Ten Speed Press. Orlando. 8. 4. Elizabeth Cobbs. Mango Elephants in the Sun: How Life in an African Village Let Me Be in My Skin.: Harcourt. 2001. Calif. N. Conn. 2002. Berkeley.: Henry Holt and Company. River Town: Two Years on the Yangtze. All You Need Is Love: The Peace Corps and the Spirit of the 1960s. Hoffman. Seattle: University of Washington Press. 1969. Payne. Peace Corps Online. 2000 (paperback).Corps: What to Know Before You Go. C.). 1999. Boston: Shambhala Publications.: Lyons Press. Guilford. 2000 (paperback). Herrera. Thomsen. Mike. A WE LCOM E BOOK · EAST TI MOR 27 .
Letters take about four weeks to arrive from the United States. In East Timor. but it can be a frustrating and sometimes costly process. the mail service is relatively new and there have been problems both in reciving mail and sending mail home. it is not uncommon for writing habits to change once a Volunteer has settled in and becomes more involved in projects in the community. East Timor Volunteers have received parcels through the East Timorese mail system. DHL and FedEx packages can incur significant customs duties paid by the receiving party. Volunteers can receive letters at the following address: Corpo de Paz "Your Name. A WE LCOM E BOOK · EAST TI MOR 29 . We recommend that you establish a regular writing pattern with friends and relatives in the United States because they may become concerned if they do not hear from you for an extended period." PCT Caixa Postal 310 Dili. However. You should discourage family and friends from sending packages because nearly all your living needs can easily be satisfied by what is available in the country. Some Volunteers and their families number their letters in sequence to keep track of how many have been sent and received. that way. Packages are even sometimes returned to sender if customs does not understand the contents.LI V I N G C O N D ITI O N S AN D V O LU NTE E R LI FE STYLE Communications Mail Regular mail delivery is one of the things we take for granted in the United States.
both parties know whether a correspondent is just too busy to write or some letters are not arriving. Housing and Site Location Most Volunteers live in villages outside of major towns. during business hours or at 202. extension 1470. Most villages are traditional.638. and E-mail Access East Timor is on the tail end of the electronic revolution. which Peace Corps distributes to some Volunteers located in key sites for communication purposes. a Volunteer's family can contact the Peace Corps' Office of Special Services at 800. The most 30 PEACE CORPS . It is quite easy but expensive ($1/minute) to call overseas from Dili. both in building construction and in availability of services. Houses are likely to be made of traditional palm and bamboo with heavily thatched. In the case of an emergency.8580. Internet. peaked roofs. but Volunteers are increasingly able to rely on the Internet for communication with family and friends in the United States.424. Telephones There are few land lines outside of the capital and only district centers can be accessed using cellular phones.2574 after business hours. Computer. or cement blocks with a corregated metal roof. The Peace Corps Volunteer office also has two computers that can be used for e-mail on a limited basis. although many of the outlying districts where Peace Corps Volunteers are stationed do not have coverage. though they may be too expensive for extensive surfing. Many Volunteers have access only by satellite phones. That office will then contact the Peace Corps office in East Timor. There are a few Internet cafes in Dili. Virtually everyone in the country who relies on telephone service carries a cellphone.
Where there is. A WE LCOM E BOOK · EAST TI MOR 31 .modern cement block structures may be government buildings such as health posts or schools. is a risk not to be taken lightly. the Peace Corps' primary concerns are that your housing meets minimal standards for security and that you have the resources to maintain a healthy diet and respectable lifestyle. You are required to live with a host family for the first six months after swearing in as a Volunteer to establish a web of friendship and security. Female Volunteers might consider living with a host family the entire time since East Timorese women rarely. while even rarer. While this allowance is calculated to enable you to live at the same standard of living as your East Timorese counterparts and neighbors. if ever. and they are adjusted by the Peace Corps if necessary. While crime is not a serious problem in rural areas of East Timor. live alone. Living Allowance and Money Management All Volunteers receive a living allowance that enables them to maintain a modest but adequate lifestyle. This is the best way to ensure your safety. there have been instances of smallscale theft from houses occupied by foreigners. Living allowances are reviewed once a year to ensure that they are sufficient to meet basic needs. Most East Timorese cook over firewood even in the capital. Natural gas is available in Dili and some Volunteers choose to take a gas stove to their site. There is no electricity in most villages. You may need to use kerosene lanterns or candles for reading or working at night. there are frequent power cuts. Any residences at least partially constructed of concrete block or finished wood are likely to belong to a village chief or to the most prosperous farmers or small business owners. and assault.
Corn is not ground into cornmeal and is 32 PEACE CORPS . All East Timor Volunteers have an account at the local bank (Mandiri) in which living and vacation allowances are placed and withdrawn as needed. the latter part of the dry season. noodles. the U. government sets aside $225 for each month of service. tomatoes. The Australia-New Zealand (ANZ) bank has an ATM that will accept check-card withdrawals from U. After taking the Volunteer oath. Although East Timorese make liberal use of chili peppers. for example. occasionally meat and eggs. Few locations in East Timor accept credit cards.Three additional allowances are provided to Volunteers. accounts at no charge. Finally.S. onions. While you are expected to live at the same level as those in your assigned community. from Mexican food. The Peace Corps strongly recommends that cash be deposited in a local bank or held in the form of traveler's checks so that the money can be replaced in the event of loss or theft. a variety of vegetables and fruits is seldom available. Food and Diet Dietary habits and a lack of agricultural diversity generally limit meals to corn. this readjustment allowance. especially September to November. their spicy food is quite different. and cassava. Volunteers also receive a modest vacation allowance and two days of vacation for each month of service. fish (on the coast). In more rural areas. you may wish to bring additional money or credit cards to pay for extraordinary expenses or for out-of-country travel during vacations. which is made available after completion of service. rice. enables Volunteers to resettle in the United States without undue burden.S. each Volunteer receives a one-time settling-in allowance to cover the initial expenses of furnishing a house or room and purchasing basic supplies.
torrential rains resulting in landslides close roads for varying lengths of time during the annual monsoon season (from November to April). While public transportation is reliable most of the year. In some cases.or three-wheeled motorized vehicle (such as a motorcycle) for any reason. Most East Timorese are exceptionally generous and will insist on sharing their food. or converted vans called microlets. Volunteers are prohibited from driving or riding as a passenger on any two. and open-bed trucks called angunnas..generally eaten either roasted or boiled. it may be challenging to acquire the variety of foods necessary to stay healthy. taxis. however. While it is possible to maintain a vegan diet.e. the capital. Transportation Most Volunteer sites are connected by public transportation to the nearest district administration or town center or to Dili. rural residents may need to walk around obstructed roads or walk on local trails to pick up transportation elsewhere. no matter how little they have. a vegetarian diet is much easier to maintain if it includes eggs and fish. However. At those times. Volunters must walk for up to an hour to reach public transportation. Volunteers in East Timor are sometimes issued a dirt bicycle with a bicycle helmet. private vehicles. and they have found East Timor a fairly easy country in which to do so. or trucks) from sites in case of emergency. getting to the capital could involve a lengthy trip because of bad road conditions. Volunteers are also not A WE LCOM E BOOK · EAST TI MOR 33 . While your assigned community might not be a great distance from Dili in miles. In accordance with Peace Corps' policy. Many Volunteers choose to follow a mostly vegetarian diet. Many Volunteers try to identify alternative forms of transportation (i. This transportation consists of small buses.
there is a wider variety of social activities. can be steamy and hot. and the temperature at those climes is notably cooler.000 meters (3. especially in the evenings. Geography and Climate While East Timor is in the tropical zone. These prohibitions stem from serious safety concerns. including eating out at restaurants and attending local sporting events. Temperatures range in the lowlands from the low 70s at night to the mid-90s during the day with most days year-round being in excess of 80. In places above 1. in which everyone participates. Much of the island's population area lives above an altitude of 1. The northern coast has the shortest rainy season and can be desert-like in the dry season.000 feet). Older people often dress in traditional clothing for such events and perform traditional dances and rituals.allowed to own automobiles or drive privately owned vehicles in East Timor. there may be an occasional celebration. such as a wedding or the inauguration of a new house. The rainy season lasts approximately from November to April. especially in the coastal lowlands.500 meters (5. In Dili or larger towns.100 feet). there is considerable climatic variation by season and location. even during the day. dog or buffalo. Social Activities In smaller towns or rural areas. which is then served in a community feast. a blanket may be necessary for sleeping and people often wear sweaters or coats. during which there are apt to be torrential rains every day and the weather. In the mountains temperatures may be as much as 10 to 15 degrees cooler. The southern coast receives more rain throughout the year and is generally green year-round. and violation of the policy can result in immediate administrative separation from the Peace Corps. 34 PEACE CORPS . Celebrations are often quite elaborate and may involve the sacrifice of a goat.
and upper leg). an employee will observe regular hours and assume a professional demeanor while working. Both men and women should plan to dress very conservatively at least through A WE LCOM E BOOK · EAST TI MOR 35 .In the evenings. Offices and job sites may be visited frequently by supervisors. Dress. and Behavior In East Timor. Don't be misled by the seeming informality of your workplace. Most social events center around the family. While offices may be unfurnished. such as an ecology club. shoulders. Timorese also enjoy outings to the beach even though only young males normally go swimming. the local church is another locus of social activity in the community. Volunteers frequently participate in groups organized for selected activities. All health promotion and some community development Volunteers will work in offices. and transportation mostly unavailable. and perceived unprofessional dress or behavior of a Volunteer could reflect poorly on both the Timorese counterpart and the Peace Corps. supplies scarce to nonexistent. Professionalism. you will need to follow the lead of counterparts and take professional responsibilities seriously. this isn't acceptable in outlying areas. local officials. although youth frequently cluster in groups of boys or girls to pass the time and gossip. residents of towns sometimes gather for soccer or volleyball games. In addition. particularly the rural towns and villages where you will be placed. a salaried job is regarded as a great privilege. Volunteers who work in agriculture or in less structured village placements will need to use office attire for special occasions or when they visit government offices. While you'll see women wearing Western styles in Dili (that show their midriff. The clothing culture is different in Dili than in the rest of Timor. In this fervently Catholic country. nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) or the Peace Corps office.
If you want to swim in public (where Timorese can see you) women should wear a T-shirt and shorts over their bathing suits. Cleanliness and neatness are very important for Volunteers representing the Peace Corps. and being perceived as well-off are some of the factors that can put a Volunteer at risk. The Peace Corps has established procedures and policies 36 PEACE CORPS . At work. becoming a Peace Corps Volunteer entails certain safety risks. men should wear collared shirts and long pants. Bikinis are not acceptable for men or women. Many Volunteers experience varying degrees of unwanted attention and harassment. Petty thefts and burglaries are not uncommon. Living and traveling in an unfamiliar environment (oftentimes alone). Shorts. flip-flops.training and the first months at their permanent site. Swimwear should be very conservative. but still not considered acceptable work attire for men. East Timorese may be offended by visitors to their homes or offices who display a sloppy or unkempt appearance. but it is an important issue and cannot be overemphasized. until they fully understand what is acceptable at their site. having a limited understanding of local language and culture. As stated in the Volunteer Handbook. if clean and well-groomed. Women should always wear bras. and tank tops are not considered appropriate dress in an office environment. Pierced earrings are acceptable for women. Shoulder-length hair and dreadlocks are generally acceptable on men. Any kind of visible body piercings (including tongue studs) are not acceptable for both men and women. Personal Safety More detailed information about the Peace Corps' approach to safety is contained in the Health Care and Safety chapter. and incidents of physical and sexual assault do occur although most Volunteers complete their two years of service without personal security incidents.
designed to help you reduce your risks and enhance your safety and security. These procedures and policies, in addition to safety training, will be provided once you arrive in East Timor. At the same time, you are expected to take responsibility for your safety and well-being.
Rewards and Frustrations
Volunteers have a variety of reasons for joining the Peace Corps, but high on the list must be the desire to help others. Most Volunteers therefore bring an abundance of motivation and enthusiasm to their assignment. These are not lost in serving others but usually are tempered by a deeper understanding of other people's daily realities. So while Volunteers should not expect to "change the world," they can look forward to making a tangible impact. Being a Peace Corps Volunteer requires adjusting to alternative ways of thinking, living, and working, and such adjustments are never simple and painless. The people you work with may have strong feelings of pride and nationalism. Your enthusiasm for change, however well intended, may be misunderstood. You will need to be considerate of the emotions, needs, traditions, institutions, and way of life of the people you work with. Satisfaction will come from your commitment to learning about the inner workings of a different culture and your flexibility in dealing with new values and experiences. After living and working with people of another culture, Volunteers often develop strong ties that are reflected in strong emotions. Intense feelings of desperation, satisfaction, anger, happiness, anxiety, and peace of mind will crop up over and over—these feelings are the heart of the Peace Corps experience. But at the end of it all, it is a rare Volunteer who does not feel that the experience was one of the most important in his or her life. A WE LCOM E BOOK · EAST TI MOR 37
Overview of Pre-Service Training
Your pre-service training will consist of intensive in-country training in four major areas: language, cross-cultural adaptation, technical job orientation, and Volunteer health and safety. The length of your training will be from 9 to 11 weeks. At the end of training, all trainees must pass qualifying criteria in each of these areas to be sworn in as Volunteers. Training is held in small communities outside the capital similar to those in which you will live and work as a Volunteer. During training, you will live with East Timorese host families where you will share meals, language, and other cross-cultural experiences. You will have the opportuity to practice language, cross-cultural adaptation, and technical skills in an environment similar to the one in which you will be living and working as a Volunteer. During pre-service training, you will make a short visit to a site where Volunteers are currently working in health and community development projects. You will also spend several days at your assigned site. Throughout training, you will be encouraged to continue examining your personal motivation for joining the Peace Corps and your level of dedication and commitment so that by the time you are asked to swear in as a Volunteer you will be making an informed and serious commitment that will sustain you through two years of service. Trainees spend much of their time in small language classes. They also spend time in technical studies combined with practice of new skills at the community level. Each week all trainees meet together at a central training facility for group sessions. This combination of formal classroom study with ample opportunities for practicing new language, cultural, and
community development strategies. environment. Technical training also includes sessions on health promotion. and gender and development (GAD). and information on the agriculture. There will also be occasions after pre-service training when Volunteers meet for special workshops to increase skills in a particular area or to assist with project development. You will review your technical sector's goals and meet with the East Timor agencies and organizations that have invited the Peace Corps to assist them. Training places great emphasis on learning how to transfer the skills you have to the community in which you will serve as a Volunteer. you will also receive technical training in the cross-cutting areas of youth development. and government structure in East Timor as well as strategies for working within such a framework.technical skills has proven to be an extremely effective way of preparing Volunteers to work as independent professionals once their service begins. Language Training Language is a complex issue in East Timor. More than 90 40 PEACE CORPS . Since projects focus on integrated community development. Technical Training Technical training will prepare you to work in East Timor by building on the skills you already have and helping you develop new skills in a manner appropriate to the needs of the country. The Peace Corps staff and technical experts will conduct the training program with assistance from selected Volunteers currently serving in-country. Although Tetun is an official language along with Portuguese. You will be supported and evaluated throughout the training to build the confidence and skills you need to undertake your project activities and be a productive member of your community. economics. few people actually speak Portuguese with any fluency.
Families have gone through an orientation conducted by Peace Corps staff to explain the purpose of the pre-service training program and to assist them in helping you adapt to living in East Timor. you will live with an East Timorese host family.percent of the population speaks one or more local indigenous languages. As Tetun has been influenced greatly by Portuguese. and they can ease your personal adaptation to the new surroundings. but it is much easier if you already have basic competence in a Romance language. Therefore. language training is the heart of the training program. Tetun is not an especially difficult language to learn for an English speaker. the Peace Corps follows suit in emphasizing Tetun-speaking ability for all Volunteers. In addition to classroom time. Prior to your swearing in as a Volunteer. they help you integrate into your community. Language skills are the key to personal and professional satisfaction during your service. The goal is to get you to a point of basic social communication skills so that you can practice and develop language skills further on your own. This experience is designed to ease your transition to life at your site. Your language training will incorporate a community-based approach. invitees are urged to brush up on any Portuguese or Spanish language skills they may have before arriving in the country. These skills are critical to your job performance. and you must successfully meet minimum language requirements to complete training and become a Volunteer. because the government of East Timor has adopted Tetun as both the national and official language of the country. A WE LCOM E BOOK · EAST TI MOR 41 . you will be given assignments to work on outside of the classroom and with your host family. you will work on strategies to continue language studies during your two years of service. Cross-Cultural Training As part of your pre-service training. However.
You will be expected to practice preventive health care and to take responsibility for your own health by adhering to all medical policies. You will also learn appropriate.Cross-cultural and community development will be covered to help improve your skills of perception. mental health. gender and development will be covered. communication. conflict resolution. The topics include preventive health measures and minor and major medical issues that you might encounter while in East Timor. and facilitation. the Peace Corps has implemented a training system that provides trainees and Volunteers with continual opportunities to examine their commitment to Peace Corps service while increasing their technical and cross-cultural skills. Health Training During pre-service training. During your service. The titles and objectives for those trainings are as follows: 42 PEACE CORPS . setting up a safe living compound. there are usually four training events. Topics such as community mobilization. safety and security. you will learn how to adopt a lifestyle that reduces risk in your home. Additional Training During Volunteer Service In its commitment to institutionalize quality training. Trainees must attend all medical sessions. and how to avoid HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are also covered. effective strategies for coping with unwanted attention and about your individual responsibility for promoting safety throughout your service. Safety Training During the safety training sessions. at work. and during your travels. Nutrition. you will be given basic medical training and information.
reassessing their personal and project objectives. and Volunteers. The key to the training system is that training events are integrated and interrelated. set priorities. Close of service conference: Prepares Volunteers for the future after Peace Corps service and reviews their respective projects and personal experiences. A WE LCOM E BOOK · EAST TI MOR 43 . and design sustainable community projects. and design of these trainings are adapted to country-specific needs and conditions. and are planned. Project design and management workshop: Provides Volunteers and their community counterparts with the skills necessary to identify needs. and evaluated cooperatively by the training staff. language. implemented. length. from the pre-departure orientation through the end of your service.• In-service training: Provides an opportunity for Volunteers to upgrade their technical. and project development skills while sharing their experiences and reaffirming their commitment after having served for three to six months. usually occurs after the sixth month of service. • • • The number. Peace Corps staff. Midterm conference (done in conjunction with technical sector in-service): Assists Volunteers in reviewing their first year. and planning for their second year of service.
vivax malaria are rampant in East Timor. American-standard dental care is not available in East Timor. If you have an emergency dental problem.S. Peace Corps medical programs emphasize the preventive. you will be transported either to an Australian medical facility in the region or to the United States. The Peace Corps in East Timor maintains a clinic with a full-time medical officer who takes care of Volunteers' primary health-care needs. A WE LCOM E BOOK · EAST TI MOR 45 . The medical office provides all necessary items for prevention of malaria. If you become seriously ill. Health Issues in East Timor Both plasmodium falciparum malaria and P. Volunteers are required to take weekly mefloquine or daily doxycycline or malarone prophylaxis to lessen the risk of contracting this potentially deadly disease. Other recommended prevention strategies include mosquito nets and a DEET-containing insect repellent. are also available at a hospital in Dili. Additional medical services. so you should not expect to have routine dental care during your two years of service unless you return to the United States on vacation. you will be medevaced either to an Australian medical facility in the region or to the U. approach to disease.YO U R H EALTH CAR E AN D SAFETY I N EAST TI M O R The Peace Corps' highest priority is maintaining the good health and safety of every Volunteer. such as testing and basic treatment. rather than the curative.
If you develop a serious medical problem during your service. Bacterial skin diseases. mandating that proper water and food safety measures be taken on a daily basis. as well as a variety of bacterial and parasitic diarrheal diseases. You should familiarize yourself with these diseases before your arrival so that you can make a more informed decision to serve as a Volunteer in East Timor. Finally. You will have physicals at mid-service and at the end of your service. Helping You Stay Healthy The Peace Corps will provide you with all the necessary inoculations. are also endemic. the medical officer in East Timor will consult with the 46 PEACE CORPS . as we will not order these items during training. and HIV and other STDs are present. Japanese B encephalitis. you will receive a medical handbook and a first-aid kit with supplies to take care of mild illnesses and first-aid needs. Upon your arrival in East Timor. The contents of the kit are listed later in this chapter. During pre-service training. since they may not be available here and it may take several months for new shipments to arrive. Chikungunya fever. typhoid. meningitis. you will have access to basic firstaid supplies through the medical officer. and elephantiasis (lymphatic filariasis). However. Please bring a three-month supply of any prescription drugs you use. conditions related to a tropical climate like heatstroke and sunburn are also of concern. leprosy. Tuberculosis.Additional mosquito-borne diseases found in East Timor are dengue fever. medications. and information to stay healthy. and cholera. you will be responsible for your own supply of prescription drugs and any other specific medical supplies you require. and yaws are not uncommon.
tapeworms. and illnesses resulting from contaminated water. Many illnesses that afflict Volunteers worldwide are entirely preventable if proper food and water precautions are taken. dysentery. These diseases include food poisoning. Proper precautions will significantly reduce your risk of serious illness or injury. and typhoid fever. D. use a condom every time A WE LCOM E BOOK · EAST TI MOR 47 ." becomes extremely important in areas where diagnostic and treatment facilities are not up to the standards of the United States.. Maintaining Your Health As a Volunteer. Your medical officer will discuss specific standards for water and food preparation in East Timor during pre-service training. To lessen risk. hepatitis A. The old adage "An ounce of prevention . food poisoning. Guinea worms. parasitic infections. Abstinence is the only certain choice for preventing infection with HIV and other STDs.. You are taking risks if you choose to be sexually active. If it is determined that your condition cannot be treated in East Timor.Office of Medical Services in Washington. heat exhaustion and heatstroke. you may be sent out of the country for further evaluation and care. The most important of your responsibilities in East Timor is to take preventive measures for malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases. Daily brushing and flossing of teeth are also important to avoid dental problems. and that you let your medical officer know immediately of significant illness and injuries.C. It is critical to your health that you promptly report to the medical office or other designated facility for scheduled immunizations. sunburn. you must accept a certain amount of responsibility for your own health.
or anyone else. The Peace Corps is responsible for determining the medical risk and the availability of appropriate medical care if the Volunteer remains in-country. Contraceptive methods are available without charge from the medical officer. Though feminine hygiene products are available for you to purchase on the local market. it is rare that the Peace Corps medical and programmatic standards for continued service can be met. You will receive more information from your medical officer about this important issue. the Peace Corps medical officer in East Timor will provide them. Whether your partner is a host country citizen. Volunteers are expected to adhere to an effective means of birth control to prevent unplanned pregnancies.you have sex. please bring a six-month supply with you. Women's Health Information Pregnancy is a health condition that is treated in the same manner as other Volunteer health conditions requiring medical attention. do not assume this person is free of HIV/AIDS or other STDs. a fellow Volunteer. Your medical officer can help you decide on the most appropriate method to suit your individual needs. Given the circumstances under which Volunteers live and work in Peace Corps countries. The majority of Volunteers who become pregnant are medically separated. but may also have programmatic ramifications. Your Peace Corps Medical Kit The Peace Corps medical officer provides Volunteers with a first-aid kit that contains basic items necessary to prevent and 48 PEACE CORPS . If you require a specific feminine hygiene product.
Medical Kit Contents Ace bandage Adhesive tape American Red Cross First Aid & Safety Handbook Antacid tablets Antibiotic ointment (Bacitracin/Neomycin/Polymycin B) Antiseptic antimicrobial skin cleaner (Hibiclens) Band-Aids Butterfly closures Cepacol lozenges Condoms Dental floss Diphenhydramine HCL 25 mg (Benadryl) Insect repellent Iodine tablets (for water purification) Lip balm (Chapstick) Oral rehydration salts and Gatorade Oral thermometer Pseudoephedrine HCL 30 mg (Sudafed) Robitussin-DM lozenges (for cough) Scissors Sterile gauze pads Tetrahydrozaline eyedrops (Visine) Tinactin (antifungal cream) Tweezers Before You Leave: A Medical Checklist If there has been any change in your health—physical. A WE LCOM E BOOK · EAST TI MOR 49 . Kit items can be periodically restocked at your Peace Corps medical office. Failure to disclose new illnesses. or dental—since the time you submitted your examination reports to the Peace Corps. you must immediately notify the Office of Medical Services.treat illnesses that might occur during service. mental.
or pregnancy can endanger your health and may jeopardize your eligibility to serve. If you wish to avoid having duplicate vaccinations. or if your physical exam is more than two years old. glucosamine. Although the Peace Corps cannot reimburse you for this three-month supply. allergies. you must complete that work and make sure your dentist sends requested confirmation reports or X-rays to the Office of Medical Services. contact the Office of Medical Services to find out whether you need to update your records. and bring it to your pre-departure orientation. or antioxidant supplements. If you have any immunizations prior to Peace Corps service.injuries. You are encouraged to bring copies of medical prescriptions signed by your physician. you should contact your physician's office. although it might come in handy if you are questioned in transit about carrying a three-month supply of prescription drugs. including birth control pills. Bring a three-month supply of any prescription or over-thecounter medication you use on a regular basis. John's wort. selenium. we will order refills during your service. The Peace Corps will not pay for herbal or nonprescribed medications. If your dental exam was done more than a year ago. You do not need to begin taking malaria medication prior to departure. If your dentist or Peace Corps dental consultant has recommended that you undergo dental treatment or repair. such as St. This is not a requirement. the Peace Corps cannot reimburse you for the cost. obtain a copy of your immunization record. The Peace Corps will provide all the immunizations necessary for your overseas assignment shortly after you arrive in East Timor. While awaiting shipment-which can take several months-you will be dependent on your own medication supply. 50 PEACE CORPS .
the Peace Corps will replace it. You may wish to consider keeping an existing health plan in effect during your service if you think age and/or preexisting conditions might prevent you from re-enrolling in your current plan when you return home. you may wish to consult an insurance specialist about unique coverage needs before your departure. and the perception of being a wealthy American are some of the factors that can put a Volunteer at risk. The Peace Corps will not supply or replace contact lenses or associated solutions unless their use has been recommended by an ophthalmologist for a specific medical condition and the Peace Corps' Office of Medical Services has given approval. Most Peace Corps countries do not have appropriate water and sanitation to support eye care with the use of contact lenses. We discourage you from using contact lenses during your service to reduce your risk of developing a serious infection or other eye disease.If you wear eyeglasses. The Peace Corps will provide all necessary healthcare from the time you leave for your pre-departure orientation until you complete your service. If a pair breaks. Safety and Security—Our Partnership Serving as a Volunteer overseas entails certain safety and security risks. Living and traveling in an unfamiliar environment. using the information your doctor in the United States provided on the eyeglasses form during your examination. bring two pairs with you—a pair and a spare. you will be entitled to the post-service healthcare benefits described in the Peace Corps Volunteer Handbook. or have a health condition that may restrict your future participation in healthcare plans. Petty A WE LCOM E BOOK · EAST TI MOR 51 . are over 50 years of age. If you are eligible for Medicare. When you finish. a limited understanding of the local language and culture.
47 percent of assaults took place when Volunteers were away from their sites. and do not include property crimes (such as vandalism or theft).m. street. more than 83 percent of Volunteers surveyed say they would join the Peace Corps again. public buildings).. In addition.g. • Time of day: Assaults usually took place on the weekend during the late evening between 10:00 p. Peace Corps Training.thefts and burglaries are not uncommon. All of these sections include important safety information.m. and 3:00 a. This Welcome Book contains sections on: Living Conditions and Volunteer Lifestyle. and Your Health Care and Safety. because working to maximize the safety and security of Volunteers is our highest priority. the following factors stand out as risk characteristics for assaults. 52 PEACE CORPS . Based on information gathered from incident reports worldwide in 2003. The Peace Corps approaches safety and security as a partnership with you. Specifically. beach. park. Not only do we provide you with training and tools to prepare for the unexpected. but we teach you to identify and manage the risks you may encounter. Assaults consist of personal crimes committed against Volunteers. although almost all Volunteers complete their two years of service without serious personal safety problems. • Location: Most crimes occurred when Volunteers were in public areas (e.m. many of which are in the Volunteer's control. The Peace Corps makes every effort to give Volunteers the tools they need to function in the safest and most secure way possible.— most often occurring around 1:00 a. Incidents of physical and sexual assault do occur. Factors that Contribute to Volunteer Risk There are several factors that can heighten a Volunteer's risk.
S.• Absence of others: More than 75 percent of crime incidents occurred when a Volunteer was unaccompanied. Summary Strategies to Reduce Risk Before and during service. For example. here are some strategies Volunteers employ: Strategies to reduce the risk/impact of theft: • Know the environment and choose safe routes/times for travel • Avoid high-crime areas per Peace Corps guidance • Know the vocabulary to get help in an emergency • Carry valuables in different pockets/places • Carry a "dummy" wallet as a decoy Strategies to reduce the risk/impact of burglary: • Live with a local family or on a family compound • Put strong locks on doors and keep valuables in a lock box or trunk • Leave irreplaceable objects at home in the U. • Consumption of alcohol: Almost a third of all assaults involved alcohol consumption by Volunteers and/or assailants. the Volunteer did not know the assailant. • Relationship to assailant: In most assaults. don't draw negative attention to yourself by wearing inappropriate clothing A WE LCOM E BOOK · EAST TI MOR 53 . your training will address these areas of concern so that you can reduce the risks you face. • Follow Peace Corps guidelines on maintaining home security Strategies to reduce the risk/impact of assault: • Make local friends • Make sure your appearance is respectful of local customs.
develop security incident response procedures. review safety trainings. oversight. the Peace Corps created the Office of Safety and Security with its mission to "foster improved communication. and accountability of all Peace Corps' safety and security efforts. If a trainee or Volunteer is the victim of a safety incident. The safety and security team also tracks crime statistics. Plans. Peace Corps staff is prepared to provide support.• Get to know local officials. The major responsibilities of the Volunteer Safety and Overseas Security Division are to coordinate the office's overseas operations and direct the Peace Corps' safety and security officers who are located in various regions around the world that have Peace Corps programs." The new office is led by an Associate Director for Safety and Security who reports to the Peace Corps Director and includes the following divisions: Volunteer Safety and Overseas Security. 54 PEACE CORPS . and provide crisis management support. train Volunteer safety wardens. All Peace Corps posts have procedures in place to respond to incidents of crime committed against Volunteers. and Emergency Preparedness. train trainers and managers. coordination. and neighbors • Travel with someone whenever possible • Avoid known high crime areas • Limit alcohol consumption Support from Staff In March 2003. Information and Personnel Security. identifies trends in criminal activity. local guards. and highlights potential safety risks to Volunteers. and staff. The first priority for all posts in the aftermath of an incident is to ensure that the Volunteer is safe and receiving medical treatment as needed. Training and Exercise. The safety and security officers conduct security assessments. police.
Peace Corps staff provides support by reassessing the Volunteer's work site and housing arrangements and making any adjustments. but also to preserve the future right to prosecute. It is expressed on the chart as a ratio of crime to Volunteer and trainee years (or V/T-Years. The country-specific data chart below shows the incidence rates and the average number of incidents of the major types of safety incidents reported by Peace Corps Volunteers/trainees in East Timor as compared to all other Europe. Mediterranean. Should Volunteers decide later in the process that they want to proceed with the prosecution of their assailant. this option may no longer exist if the evidence of the event has not been preserved at the time of the incident. Peace Corps staff will also assist Volunteers with preserving their rights to pursue legal sanctions against the perpetrators of the crime. It is very important that Volunteers report incidents as they occur. if two Volunteers are robbed at the same time and place. For example. as needed. which is a measure of 12 full months of V/T service) to allow for a statistically valid way to compare crime data across countries. this is classified as one robbery incident. the nature of the incident may necessitate a site or housing transfer. and may involve one or more Volunteer/trainee victims. an explanation of the graph is provided as follows: The incidence rate for each type of crime is the number of crime events relative to the Volunteer/trainee population. per Peace Corps' classification of offenses. not only to protect their peer Volunteers. In some cases. A WE LCOM E BOOK · EAST TI MOR 55 . and Asia (EMA) region programs as a whole. It is presented to you in a somewhat technical manner for statistical accuracy To fully appreciate the collected data below. from 1999-2003.After assuring the safety of the Volunteer. An "incident" is a specific offense.
and rape (sexual intercourse without consent). 2 Incident rates equal the number of assaults per 100 Volunteers and trainees per year (V/T Years). you should review all of the safety and security information provided to you. aggravated assault (attacking with a weapon.1 The average numbers of incidents are in parenthesis and equal the average reported assaults for each year between 1999-2003. minor physical assault (attacking without a weapon with minor injuries). Since most sexual assaults occur against females. 3 Data collection for East Timor began as of 2002 when Peace Corps trainees entered the country for the newly opened program. you will be expected to 56 PEACE CORPS . only female V/T are calculated in rapes and minor sexual assaults. Numbers of incidents are approximate due to rounding. Source data on incidents are drawn from Assault Notification Surveillance System (ANSS) and Epidemiologic Surveillance System (ESS) as of 7/29/04. Throughout your training and Volunteer service. groping. burglary (forcible entry of a residence). robbery (taking something by force). including the strategies to reduce risk. and/or without a weapon when serious injury results). theft (taking without force or illegal entry). etc. minor sexual assault (fondling.). When anticipating Peace Corps Volunteer service. These include vandalism (malicious defacement or damage of property). The chart is separated into the eight most commonly occurring assault types.
people know each other and generally will not steal from their neighbors. Staying Safe: Don't Be a Target for Crime You must be prepared to take on a large responsibility for A WE LCOM E BOOK · EAST TI MOR 57 . Security Issues in East Timor When it comes to your safety and security in the Peace Corps. use the tools and information shared with you to remain as safe and secure as possible. United Nations forces have been withdrawn from East Timor since June 2005. As might be expected in a post-conflict nation that underwent such turmoil as recently as 1999. Once in-country. Crime at the village or town level is less frequent than in the large cities. as is true elsewhere in the developing world. crime does exist in East Timor. safety and security remains a high priority. particularly in Dili. The defense and civilian police forces of East Timor have assumed full responsibility for national security. Permission to travel to or near border districts with West Timor is granted by the Peace Corps country director only after consultation with the embassy and the regional security officer. peacekeeping force and U.N. You can reduce your risk of becoming a target for crime by avoiding situations that make you feel uncomfortable and by taking precautions.N. and have been functioning only in an advisory capacity since June 2004. As with anywhere in the world. and petty theft on public transportation do occur. The U. civilian police force have gradually reduced in size. Street crime.successfully complete all training competencies in a variety of areas including safety and security. you have to be willing to adapt your behavior and lifestyle to minimize the potential for being a target of crime.
Preparing for the Unexpected: Safety Training and Volunteer Safety Support in East Timor The Peace Corps' approach to safety is a five-pronged plan to help you stay safe during your two-year service and includes information sharing. Keep your money out of sight by using an undergarment money pouch. than in smaller towns. You should always walk with a companion at night. use common sense. avoid eye contact.your own safety. Only you can make yourself less of a target. and colleagues look out for them. learn about your neighborhood. this behavior can be reduced if you dress conservatively. check things out. learning the local language. a detailed emergency action plan. the kind that hangs around your neck and stays hidden under your shirt or inside your coat. Volunteer training. in coat pockets. ask questions. and abiding by Peace Corps policies and procedures. and do not respond to unwanted attention. Volunteers attract a lot of attention in large cities and at their sites. know where the more risky locations are. site selection criteria. Serving safely and effectively in East Timor may require that you accept some restrictions on your current lifestyle. and develop relations in your community that will make you an unlikely victim of crime. where "family. You can reduce your vulnerability to crime by integrating into your community. acting responsibly. Do not keep your money in outside pockets of backpacks. In coming to East Timor. or in fanny packs. ensure that your house is secure. While whistles and exclamations are fairly common on the street. but receive far more negative attention in highly populated centers. where they are anonymous. and protocols for 58 PEACE CORPS . and be aware. do what you would do if you moved to a large city in the United States: Be cautious." friends.
and while traveling. at work. East Timor's incountry safety program is outlined below. you will complete and A WE LCOM E BOOK · EAST TI MOR 59 . In the event of a critical situation or emergency. safe. Peace Corps staff works closely with host communities and counterpart agencies to help prepare them for a Volunteer's arrival and to establish expectations of their respective roles in supporting the Volunteer. Certain site selection criteria are used to determine safe housing for Volunteers before their arrival. and secure housing and work sites. and other support needs. health. availability of communications. Site selection criteria are based in part on any relevant site history. and other components of training. different housing options and living arrangements. transportation. The Peace Corps/East Timor office will keep Volunteers apprised of any issues that may impact Volunteer safety through information sharing. This training will prepare you to adopt a culturally appropriate lifestyle and exercise judgment that promotes safety and reduces risk in your home. When you arrive at your site. Safety training is offered throughout your two-year service and is integrated into the language. Regular updates will be provided in Volunteer newsletters and in memorandums from the country director. Volunteers will be contacted through the emergency communication network. and markets. You will also learn about the country's detailed emergency action plan in the event of civil or political unrest or a natural disaster.addressing safety and security incidents. cross-cultural. Volunteer training will include sessions to prepare you for specific safety and security issues in East Timor. access to medical and other essential services. Each site is inspected before the Volunteer's arrival to ensure placement in appropriate.
Volunteers in East Timor will gather at predetermined locations until the situation resolves itself or the Peace Corps decides to evacuate. and a map to your house. and it collects and evaluates safety and security data to track trends and develop strategies to minimize risks to future Volunteers.submit a site locator form with your address. contact information. 60 PEACE CORPS . The Peace Corps has established protocols for addressing safety and security incidents in a timely and appropriate manner. it is imperative that Volunteers immediately report any security incident to the Peace Corps medical officer. If there is a security threat. Finally. in order to be fully responsive to the needs of Volunteers.
however. however. we are making special efforts to see that all of America's richness is reflected in the Volunteer corps. lifestyles. residents of rural communities have had relatively little direct exposure to other cultures. In East Timor. Part of the Peace Corps' mission is to help dispel any notion that Americans are all of one origin or race and to establish that each of us is as thoroughly American as the other despite our many differences. age. and beliefs will be judged in a cultural context very different from our own. as in other Peace Corps host countries. Outside of East Timor's capital. ethnic background. religion. members of the community in which you will live may display a range of reactions to differences that you present. and lifestyles. religions. Volunteers' behavior.D I V E R S ITY AN D C R O SSC U LTU RAL I SSU E S In fulfilling the Peace Corps' mandate to share the face of America with our host countries. What is viewed as "typical" cultural behavior or norms may be a narrow and selective interpretation. A WE LCOM E BOOK · EAST TI MOR 63 . or even repressed in East Timor. Certain personal perspectives or characteristics commonly accepted in the United States may be quite uncommon. The people of East Timor are justly known for their generous hospitality to foreigners. Our diversity helps us accomplish that goal. In other ways. races. More Americans of color are serving in today's Peace Corps than at any time in recent years. Differences in race. and sexual orientation are expected and welcomed among our Volunteers. background. unacceptable. it poses challenges. such as the perception in some countries that all Americans are rich and have blond hair and blue eyes.
The Peace Corps staff will lead diversity and sensitivity discussions during your pre-service training and will be on call to provide support. you may need to make some temporary. There are few examples of "blending" with the local population because of the positions of dominance that most of these foreigners have enjoyed. political discussions need to be handled with great care. but the challenge ultimately will be your own. This is a new phenomenon in East Timor. Its people still draw the greatest distinction between those who are from the island and outsiders. Overview of Diversity in East Timor East Timor has a remarkable degree of ethnic diversity.' Volunteers are readily accepted into their communities. and some of your personal beliefs may best remain undisclosed. However. although it might not be readily apparent to an outsider. since they are expected to live on the same terms as the people with whom they work. and other people of power. Peace Corps Volunteers are among the first outsiders to break this pattern and demonstrate the power of diversity among equals. most foreigners in East Timor have arrived as advisors. decision makers.' In recent years. and it carries a certain amount of responsibility in that Volunteers must show a degree of sensitivity not usually expected from a 'malae. constantly answering personal questions. who are known as 'malae. yet fundamental compromises in how you present yourself as an American and as an individual. For example. You will need to develop techniques and personal strategies for coping with these and other limitations.To ease the transition and adapt to life in East Timor. 64 PEACE CORPS . governors. female trainees and Volunteers may not be able to exercise the independence available to them in the United States. for many.
being considered rich. During pre-service training. constantly being asked for money or goods. Female Volunteers are sometimes targets for harassment. East Timorese men and women accommodate male dominance in work. particularly if they disregard East Timorese norms for behavior and dress. Male Volunteers. and ages and hope that you will become part of a diverse group of Americans who will take pride in supporting one another and demonstrating the richness of American culture. What Might a Volunteer Face? Possible Issues for Female Volunteers Machismo is a term usually associated with Latin cultures. As a novelty in the community. Female Volunteers in East Timor may face the kinds of unwelcome attention from men that all local women face. several sessions will be held to discuss diversity and coping mechanisms. the culture does not allow women to exercise the freedom to which North American women are accustomed. but in East Timor the same phenomenon is manifest in both obvious and subtle ways. As in most eastern Asian countries. may feel victimized by being viewed as sexual competitors. often unaware of the negative consequences it may have for their personal development. The Peace Corps staff in East Timor recognizes adjustment issues that come with diversity and will endeavor to provide support and guidance. Volunteers must be very A WE LCOM E BOOK · EAST TI MOR 65 . home.the lack of privacy. Volunteers. religions. especially women. and community matters. We look forward to having male and female Volunteers from a variety of cultures. on the other hand. backgrounds. are often the subject of considerable gossip. and the need to be aware of a variety of social mores can be real problems. ethnic groups.
is almost never seen. Portuguese settlement on the island contributed to some European elements. there are no project sites in urban areas and no plans to place Volunteers in such areas. and the longer travel distances require great stamina. requiring a genuine willingness to "rough it." A frequent issue for senior Volunteers is the difficulty of learning new languages. and electricity. such as walking hand-in-hand with a person of the opposite sex. so the Timorese people themselves display a wide range of physical characteristics. 66 PEACE CORPS . which enjoy better standards of transportation. Physical intimacy in public. irrespective of ethnic background or skin color. Possible Issues for Volunteers of Color East Timor has been a crossroads for migration for thousands of years. and transportation may be a serious issue for senior Volunteers. A casual observer might notice strong evidence of Asian (particularly Chinese and Indonesian) features. water. Melanesian. as well as Polynesian. and Australasian characteristics. Volunteers of color should encounter few problems. which may be exacerbated in East Timor because of the island's linguistic diversity. housing. Living conditions are also quite basic. At present. They also tend to hold similar stereotypes and assumptions of all malaes.careful about developing or even appearing to develop relationships with East Timorese. As a result. even between married or engaged couples. Possible Issues for Senior Volunteers East Timor's terrain is extremely rugged. The East Timorese categorize anyone who is nonTimorese as a malae (foreigner). especially in comparison with other parts of the world. Papuan. Dating implies a commitment to marriage. Public transportation is rudimentary at best.
and non-Catholic Volunteers might simply state they are not "practicing. East Timorese tend to recognize a difference between belief and practice. however. Possible Issues for Volunteers With Disabilities The Peace Corps makes every effort to accommodate Volunteers with disabilities and provides assistance in training. Possible Religious Issues for Volunteers People in this overwhelmingly Roman Catholic country have little experience with those who have no religious affiliation or who belong to other religions (with the exception of Islam and Indonesian Hinduism)." Those who feel uncomfortable skirting the issue in this way are likely to find that if they state their beliefs in a non-challenging way. they will be accepted by the community. non-Catholics. and other areas so that they can serve safely and effectively in their country of service. Volunteers must reconcile their lifestyle to the mores of conservative rural communities to develop productive social and professional relationships. and thus they must exercise discretion when it comes to their sexuality. They have the full support of Peace Corps staff and experience has shown that they can also rely on the understanding and support of other Volunteers in East Timor. housing. or Bisexual Volunteers Gay and lesbian Volunteers should be aware that homosexuality is considered taboo by most East Timorese. On the whole. Volunteers in East Timor will face particular challenges because there is almost no infrastructure to assist A WE LCOM E BOOK · EAST TI MOR 67 . However. job sites. and some may even be suspicious of.Possible Issues for Gay. Lesbian. Dili has a somewhat more metropolitan atmosphere than other places in East Timor and there is an open gay community. That being said. gay and lesbian Volunteers have served successfully in East Timor. They are likely to be curious about. However. which could lead to seemingly rude behavior.
but there are also cultural expectations that can cause stress in a marriage. A couple may have to take on some new roles. as in many parts of the world. a married woman may find herself in a less independent role than she is accustomed to or may be expected to perform "traditional" domestic chores such as cooking or cleaning. there are culturally specific challenges. Possible Issues for Married Volunteers Being a married couple in the Peace Corps has its advantages and its challenges. However.those with disabilities. One spouse may be more enthusiastic about Peace Corps service. or less homesick than the other. most Timorese feel quite strongly that all married couples 68 PEACE CORPS . Timorese husbands and wives do not touch each other in public (or even in the privacy of their home if others are present). be encouraged to make decisions independently of his spouse. For example. Peace Corps/East Timor is committed to helping ensure that all Volunteers have a full and rich experience in the country. Serving together in East Timor will likely bring welcome attention from your friends and neighbors. Competition may arise if one spouse learns the language or other skills faster than the other. Marriage is a valued institution and most couples marry quite young. Additionally. They may also find. A married man may be encouraged to be the more dominant member in the relationship. On the other hand. better able to adapt to the new environment. It will be quite easy for you to integrate into social activities that are only open to married couples. It is important to remember that you are in a foreign country with new rules and you need to be open-minded about cultural differences. It helps to have someone by your side with whom you can share your experience. that some people hold prejudicial attitudes and discriminate against them. or be ridiculed when he performs domestic tasks.
should have many children and you will likely get many questions about that subject. While these issues may seem minor. Living separately enables each spouse to give undivided attention to acquiring the language skills needed for his or her assignment and to spend more time in cross-cultural interactions with members of the host community. Couples who opt to live apart during training will have opportunites to see each other as the training schedule permits. A WE LCOM E BOOK · EAST TI MOR 69 . Married couples will be offered the choice to live separately or together during training. some couples have reported that they can become quite frustrating over the long term.
Do not pack flammable materials or liquids such as lighter fluid. weapons. The Peace Corps has its own size and weight limits and will not pay the cost of transport for baggage that exceeds these limits The authorized baggage allowance is two checked pieces of luggage with combined dimensions of both pieces not to exceed 107 inches (length + width + height) and a carry-on bag with dimensions of no more than 45 inches. Since travel requirements may change because of circumstances beyond the Peace Corps' control. What is the electric current in East Timor? The current is 220 volts. you should remain alert for additional information regarding luggage allowances before you arrive for staging and check with the airline a few days prior to your departure. Peace Corps Volunteers are not allowed to take pets. automobiles. A WE LCOM E BOOK · EAST TI MOR 71 . hair spray. or aerosol containers. Because of the varied outlets. also available in Dili. explosives. and these are readily available in Dili.FR E Q U E NTLY AS KE D Q U E STI O N S How much luggage will I be allowed to bring to East Timor? Most airlines have baggage size and weight limits and assess charges for transport of baggage that exceeds this allowance. Power surges are common in East Timor and can cause irreversible damage to your appliances or laptops. will come in handy. Checked baggage should not exceed 80 pounds total with a maximum weight allowance of 50 pounds for any one bag. radio transmitters (shortwave radios are permitted). This is an important safety precaution. or motorcycles to their overseas assignments. Any electrical appliance you bring will require a transformer. cleaning solvents. universal plug adapters.
bring the amount that will suit your own travel plans and needs. You are encouraged to use your vacation time to travel around East Timor and to other countries in the region. Extended stays at your site by visitors are not encouraged and may require permission from your country director. Each Volunteer accumulates two vacation days per month of service (excluding training). Peace Corps/East Timor does not permit non-Volunteer "significant others" to establish permanent residence with Volunteers during their service. or the last three months of service. When can I take vacation and have people visit me? Volunteers often state an interest in traveling and learning about other cultures as a main reason for wanting to join the Peace Corps. the first three months of service. which should cover their expenses. you can 72 PEACE CORPS .How much money should I bring? Volunteers are expected to live at the same level as the people in their community. nor can it provide health care in the case of a visitor's accident or illness. Consistent with the Peace Corps' worldwide policy of not permitting nonmarried couples to serve together. Often Volunteers wish to bring additional money for vacation travel to other countries. If you choose to bring extra money. Leave may not be taken during training. but are preferable to cash for out-ofcountry travel. Credit cards are rarely accepted in East Timor. except in conjunction with an authorized emergency leave. Will my belongings be covered by insurance? The Peace Corps does not provide insurance coverage for personal effects. However. They are given a settling-in allowance and a monthly living allowance. Volunteers are ultimately responsible for the safekeeping of their personal belongings. The Peace Corps is not able to provide your visitors with visa or travel assistance.
Do I need an international driver's license? Volunteers in East Timor do not need to get an international driver's license. theft. Most urban travel is by minibus or taxi. many factors A WE LCOM E BOOK · EAST TI MOR 73 . This gives the Peace Corps staff the opportunity to assess each trainee's technical and language skills prior to assigning sites and to finalize site selections with their counterparts. Lavish gifts are discouraged. Operation of motorized vehicles is prohibited. pictures. or living conditions. photos to give away. and in many places. insurance application forms will be provided. and we encourage you to consider them carefully. Jewelry. However. and expensive appliances are subject to loss. souvenirs from your area. radios. you may have the opportunity to provide input on your site preferences. If feasible. Volunteers are cautioned not to ship or take valuable items overseas. additionally. you may contact your own insurance company. watches. satisfactory maintenance and repair services are not available. and breakage. If you wish. Rural travel ranges from buses and minibuses to trucks. including geographical location. Where will my site assignment be when I finish training and how isolated will I be? Peace Corps trainees are not assigned to individual sites until several weeks into their pre-service training. which can be purchased locally. or hard candies or biscuits. Some gift suggestions include knickknacks for the house. or calendars of American scenes. What should I bring as gifts for East Timorese friends and my host family? While this is not a requirement.purchase personal property insurance before you leave. cameras. bicycles. bringing a small token of friendship is certainly acceptable. books. distance from other Volunteers. and lots of walking.
you should instruct your family to notify the Office of Special Services immediately if an emergency arises.8580. During normal business hours. For nonemergency questions. overseas calls are easy to make from Dili with cellphones. then extension 2502 or 2522. While cellphones do not reach most areas outside the capital. but will usually be within a few hours from the nearest Volunteer.to 12-hour drive from Dili. After normal business hours and on weekends and holidays.8580. select option 2. Should I bring a cellular phone with me? A cellphone from the United States will not work in East Timor because of different programming protocols.influence the site selection process and the Peace Corps cannot guarantee placement where you might ideally like to be. select option 2. How can my family contact me in an emergency? The Peace Corps' Office of Special Services provides assistance in handling emergencies affecting trainees and Volunteers or their families. Most Volunteers will live in small towns or in rural villages. such as a serious illness or death of a family member. the Special Services duty officer can be reached at 202. are the norm in East Timor.S.424. cellphones are readily available for purchase in East Timor at a cost of $100 to $200. Can I call home from East Timor? Cellular phones. However. The phone cards used to charge the phones for use are regularly sold in the capital.638. rather than fixed-line phones. Before leaving the United States. the number for the Office of Special Services is 800. 74 PEACE CORPS . then extension 1470. varies but averages about $1 per minute. The cost of calls to the U.2574.424. Some sites will require a six. your family can get information from your country desk staff at the Peace Corps by calling 800.
Currently. audio equipment.Will there be e-mail and Internet access? Should I bring my computer? While there is limited Internet and e-mail access in East Timor. Maintenance and repair of electronic equipment is difficult and quite costly in East Timor. Volunteers should insure items such as computers and expensive cameras. but the Peace Corps cannot reimburse Volunteers for damage to or loss of computers. there are computers available for limited Volunteer use in the Volunteer office. it is very unlikely that e-mail access will be available at your site. There are a few Internet cafes in Dili. and the like before leaving the United States. Many sites have no access to electricity and others have electricity for only a few hours each day. A WE LCOM E BOOK · EAST TI MOR 75 . Breakdowns are frequent because of inconsistent electrical currents. Volunteers may bring computers if they wish. but they are expensive ($8 per hour).
and partly because of the historic and political situation of my host country.W E LC O M E LETTE R S FR O M EAST TI M O R V O LU NTE E R S Dear Invitee As you will often hear. As a trainee coming into the Peace Corps. mine certainly has. Upon moving out to my site. mainly because I still had not had the "real life" experience. Having no real background in healthcare and very little in water sanitation I was at first a bit apprehensive. My year and a half serving in Peace Corps/East Timor has been very interesting to say the least. With so many variables to calculate into the Peace Corps experience equation. I was not relegated to it. The threemonth training period unfortunately did not ease my apprehension. It is important to note that your definition of "meaningful work" will change as the months go by. and I was free to explore the avenues that provided meaningful work. partly because of the stage I am in in my life. However. your Peace Corps experience is as unique as each person. it is hard to make a broad generalization about it. and even amongst the greater Peace Corps world. a few aspects of the experience are rather common within a Peace Corps country. This has been partly because of the nature of Peace Corps' mission. the counterpart agencies that I was linked to were (1) the largest clinic (community health center/CHC) in the district (state or parish) that serves the A WE LCOM E BOOK · EAST TI MOR 77 . True. but it must not be understated that your Peace Corps experience is truly yours. All of which have made my Peace Corps experience truly unique and special. I was placed in the rural health extension and water sanitation program. the training period did allow me to realize that although I came in under one program.
including schedule making. the importance of simply "being there" cannot be understated. Though it may be very frustrating for some.immediate area in which I live. and (2) the administrative branch of the healthcare service (Serviço Distrital da Saúde/SDS) for the entire district. I may have had an even greater impact in these endeavors. the simple act of interacting with Timorese speaks 78 PEACE CORPS . Based on my measure of success. Most of your experience will probably stem from you just living in a new environment. which makes the task a bit less daunting. my work is primarily office management. which houses the actual healthcare providers. This may be in other parts of your community or just with your host family. I currently work closest with the head of the office and we write proposals to NGOs and other aid organizations looking for support the Ministry of Health cannot provide. Here in East Timor. Meaningful work can also be found outside of your assigned counterpart agency. this is probably even truer. but there is still much room for improvement. Some of the activities that we have been involved in have been group organization and management. Although I am in the health sector. task delegation and task evaluation. We also try to improve the basic administrative skills of the office staff. In the CHC. Activities such as these can be as beneficial for you as a Peace Corps Volunteer as they are for the youth. again helping him improve the office management and clerical tasks that are necessary to run any kind of institution. particularly with the youth. As such. In addition to living in an entirely foreign culture. I work most closely with the manager. Your counterpart agency only encompasses a small portion of your Peace Corps experience. and task delegation. My youth activities have included play groups for younger children and sports groups for boys and girls. I have found other forms of work in youth activities and in local schools. as they are often in greater need of direction and support. East Timor's history has afforded any Peace Corps Volunteer a truly unique experience. I've had moderate success.
crumbling shadows of a working city... and was driven through Dili to the Peace Corps office... a former military official's home. Wait a minute! This is the guy A WE LCOM E BOOK · EAST TI MOR 79 . broken. the more you realize how authentic an experience it really is.. So many of the buildings were charred skeletons.... Once you can put aside the preconceived ideas about life that we have and just allow it to happen.... very big bomb that blew this place up. people moved nonchalantly in and out of garage-style clothing stores and tiny markets as if it were a perfectly normal day in East Timor. This is where the cultural exchange occurs. It slid open. so much as it is important to just "hang out" with people.. Dear Invitee... sirens wailing...... and I thought. you will be amazed at the results..N.. piles of rubble. I came here several months ago and I work in a cool.... The gate slid shut. There is no recipe for doing this........ Amid the roaring by of U. The sidewalks were like tortured rivers. —Cudjoe Bennett . you may think that we going to a place such as Timor to teach others and help others in need. This is the Peace Corps? Now you're wondering. and this is where the personal and professional growth occurs. trucks loaded with serious soldiers on their way somewhere quickly.. and we were admitted in.volumes for both you and them. Dogs slept undistracted in doorways..... We arrived at the Peace Corps office. spilling into overflowing drainage canals.. but you will be surprised at how much the Timorese actually help us and teach us. misty mountain town called Gleno (50 km south of Dili) as a district health promoter and I want to give you a glimpse of reality here and a bit of my day-to-day life. To be completely immersed in Timorese culture as an outsider is very difficult.. I don't know where the change came from. When I stepped off the plane onto the tarmac at Dili International... Coming from the U..S. but the closer you get to it.. this is where the bonds are made. fronted by an ominous green gate.. all I remember thinking was that it must have been a very...
A day in Gleno begins in mist and smells like coffee. But I'm not the same person I was nine months ago. It loiters. and all that chaos. A red streak in the hair is a rebellion. We're about to begin renovating an abandoned Hindu temple 80 PEACE CORPS . Woe. Now I walk casually through Dili. They make my job fun. It's a precarious time for the Timorese. I currently work with a theatre youth group.they chose to entice the invitees? Yes. they're a handful. but people here amaze me with their resilience and their shy kindness. they scoff at the face of convention. And I still am. some thrive. now it moves with a slow. I have a flexible schedule that finds me at the office a couple of hours every week. People live in those buildings. Before the town seemed a frenzy. It's a poor town in a poor country. and they do the best with what they have in the only way they know how: nice and slow. all the nervous tension. with its share of problems. but they're enthusiastic and wonderful. I now see as change. all of that has transformed before me (or I before it) and through the cracks in the broken sidewalks I now see flowers growing. they're energetic. It takes the time to talk to me—and I take time to listen. What I once saw as chaos. all those decimated shells of what once were shops and homes. It dawdles. and meeting with the youth group twice a week. these troubled times of upturned shirt collars and rolled up jeans! Yes. their optimism and seemingly undeserving love of the outside world. promoting health and educating the community on serious yet easily preventable health issues through the media of theatre and radio drama. unhurried saunter. A new way of looking at things. I am. They "get it" and seem to understand my feelings of displacement at times. an earring is a boy's declaration of independence! The parents worry about them. visiting local communities several times a week. Working with youth is rewarding and backbreaking. They're excited. Nine months and a rebirth. but I've undergone a change. I was you. They've helped me to love and admire a community that has slowly come to trust me and enjoy my presence.
.. was waiting for me nine months down the road...... But what I couldn't possibly have imagined from a piece of paper. just like you're doing now. But in the end. poor fellas. lurching progress punctuated by periods of unbridled insanity. Dear Invitee Welcome to Peace Corps Timor Loro Sa'e: East Sun Rising (Tetun for East Timor). democratic.... the town in which I live.N..... And for me it makes all those postcard sunsets and honeymoon expectations pale by comparison.. and I wish you the best of luck in the journeys you have ahead.... A WE LCOM E BOOK · EAST TI MOR 81 .... That's all here.. as it turns out.and transform it into a community theatre space.. the people of East Timor...... While in the few years since independence (May 2002) and the start of the Peace Corps program here shortly afterward. healthy society. except something that changes in you and because of you to become something more than what it was.. Hare dalan! means "Watch the road!" —Joel van Allen .. I hope this has been of some help to you. will truly be one of beginnings.. and I had visions of beaches and bamboo stalks and grass huts overlooking pristine white beaches fringed with swaying palms.. and support the local soccer club every Thursday when they play miserably. In short.. However. or even a firstperson account. mountain bike... this beautiful country.. the people have taken substantial strides toward a selfsustaining.. whether in East Timor or elsewhere.... and the pride I feel in my work make it all well worth it. it's a very active life: long stretches of slow... I can only tell you that I read a letter like this. there remains both ambiguity in the path the country will go down and how the Peace Corps will help communities along that path. And what is "it" anyway. I've spent a good deal of time working with community leaders and government officials to get the project approved and organized. I hike religiously into the mountains. I can't encourage you to come to East Timor.... Your experience here in the newest country recognized by the U.
working in cooperation with Volunteers in all sectors of Peace Corps work and in every corner of the country. and your own lifestyle. to strategic planning. national. of certainty and uncertainty. both local and U. what will ultimately come of your experience here is in your hands. However. your own goals. you will have many choices of where to take your work and how to live your life here. The program staff works with Volunteers to find meaningful and appropriate activities to engage in. instill youth with confidence and skills to be productive members of 82 PEACE CORPS . I can attest to the impressive effort the staff. fairly intimate community that is struggling to make sense of their own new situation at the same time you are struggling to define your own role. and immunization campaigns. From basic sanitation. you can help people overcome chronic health problems. The work here may seem mundane—from turning on a computer to teaching people to count hours and minutes to teaching basic gardening concepts—but it will be essential to the organizations and groups you will work with.As a member of the first Volunteer group to be trained and serve here in Timor Loro Sa'e. national staff.S. With skills you surely take for granted. you will be joining a community in transition. Thanks to the impressive effort of both local and U. has put forth to make our experience here one that helps us grow as Volunteers and one that helps the local people. and one that can most certainly benefit from a wide variety of skills you might bring with you. The staff helps us all keep safe and the conscientious medical team helps us stay healthy in a questionable environment. build beneficial civic organizations. Whether up in the green hills doused in clouds. and life skills.S. Especially because of the newness of the situation. or in the sun near the surf. you will step into a program with a reasonable mix of predictability and spontaneity. You will live in a small. there is a range of opportunities for Volunteers to engage with members of their communities in moving forward together. community development schemes. simple technologies.
and help people grow healthy food for local consumption. She is absolutely right. introduce appropriate and useful technologies. Every challenge posed by the ever-changing environment of a country and society in formation is at the same time an opportunity to apply your unique skills and education to helping people move toward a brighter future. My counterpart recently wrote that she feels there is significant potential for the Peace Corps to walk forward with the people of East Timor.society. —Michael Jones A WE LCOM E BOOK · EAST TI MOR 83 .
so consider those items that make the most sense to you personally and professionally. As you decide what to bring. Many Volunteers in the community development project can dress more casually (although still conservatively) in their day-to-day work. Shorts. although in the capital and district centers people wear Western clothing. bearing in mind that experience is individual. and short skirts are not appropriate for office work where many health promotion and community devlopment Volunteers will work. Norms regarding Western clothing are changing rapidly so it is difficult to make a list that will apply for very long. You should pack casual clothing for your time away from the office and for vacations and leisure time outside of East Timor. Many people still wear traditional dress (sarongs for both men and women). A WE LCOM E BOOK · EAST TI MOR 85 . keep in mind that you have an 80-pound weight restriction on baggage. and the terrain will be hard on shoes. General Clothing East Timor is a conservative society. Timorese are generally slender and shorter than Americans. Be prepared for a range of temperatures. You are likely to do a lot of walking. You can always have things sent to you later. especially if you wear larger sizes. There is no perfect list! You obviously cannot bring everything we mention.PAC KI N G LI ST Use this list as an informal guide in making your own list. tank tops. Finding clothes and shoes of the quality and size you desire may be a challenge in East Timor. Many Volunteers in both groups also have gardening projects and will need at least one set of sturdy yet cool work clothes. and dressing modestly and neatly is important.
but no shortshorts. one long-sleeve shirt or blouse for higher altitudes (if you burn easily. preferrably cotton or linen) Shirts (button-down.Be prepared for a lot of down time. you may want more lightweight longsleeve items) Cotton lightweight underwear One set of strong but not heavy work clothing (avoid denim) One sweatshirt or sweater for high altitudes Socks Rain jacket/poncho (or a very lightweight. Bring things you like to do or would like to do. cotton or linen) for work (men) Skirts or dresses (below the knee) for work. skirt or dress for women (also in lightweight materials. spagetti straps. now is your opportunity. Following are some specific clothing and shoe recommendations. polo. • Casual pants (four to five pair in thin and light materials such as chinos. or skimpy tank tops). in some but not all communities women can also wear pants to the office Shorts below the knee (a few pairs). women wear longer-length board shorts here One or two nice outfits—dress slacks or neat khakis and at least one tie for men (suits or sports coats are almost never worn here). waterresistant windbreaker) Swimsuit (one piece) (no bikinis for men or women) Hat or cap (the sun is fierce) • • • • • • • • • • • 86 PEACE CORPS . and T-shirts) and blouses (no crop tops. If you've always wanted to learn to play a musical instrument.
shampoo. Leatherman or Swiss army knife) Flashlight (good quality) or head-lamp A WE LCOM E BOOK · EAST TI MOR 87 . etc.Shoes • One pair of dress shoes (dressy sandals are fine for women although Timorese women tend to wear heels to events such as weddings) Flip-flops (readily available locally) Sturdy sandals such as Tevas/Chakos/Berks Sturdy walking shoes (locals hike in sandals or even flip-flops) Running shoes or sneakers (if you play soccer.g. razors. you may want to bring spikes) • • • • Personal Hygiene and Toiletry Items • • • • Start-up supply of soap. (easy to get here) Any specific brands that you feel you cannot live without (selection is limited) Tampons (to cover the first six months if you require a particular kind) Small lightweight hand towel (available here but quality is limited) Miscellaneous • • • • • • • Two pair of glasses Supply of your prescriptions and/or hearing aid batteries Sunglasses with UV protection (available here) Sturdy backpack for short trips Pouch and/or belt for your money and passport (to wear under your clothing) Utility knife (e.. deodorant.
traveler's checks or credit card for vacations Photos. water filter. mosquito-proof tent. maps from home. 35 mm developing available but not high quality unless you have the film developed in Bali on vacation) Water bottle (good quality) Money. and hobby materials Small inexpensive presents for your training family and your host family • • • • Optional • • • • • • • IPod or CD walkman Battery-operated shortwave radio if interested in BBC or Voice Of America Musical instrument (remember luggage weight and size restrictions) Sports equipment (soccer and basketballs are available here) Laptop Snorkeling gear (with booties for coral protection) Summer-weight sleeping bag Don't Bring • Among the things you do not need to bring (because they are provided by the Peace Corps) are over-thecounter medications and first-aid items. mosquito net. bicycle and helmet. airgrams. or sunscreen Black clothing is used only for mourning after a death.• • Small light travel alarm or wristwatch with alarm Camera (digital are popular. books. games. white gets dirty easily (you will be hand-washing eveything) • 88 PEACE CORPS . mosquito repellent.
• • Cellphone Anything valuable or sentimental that you wouldn't want to lose A WE LCOM E BOOK · EAST TI MOR 89 .
A WE LCOM E BOOK · EAST TI MOR 91 . Passport/Travel ❒ ❒ ❒ Forward to the Peace Corps travel office all paperwork for the Peace Corps passport and visas. you will need a regular passport. (Your Peace Corps passport will expire three months after you finish your service.2574). Not all items will be relevant to everyone and the list does not include everything you should make arrangements for.P R E-D E PARTU R E C H E C KLI ST The following list consists of suggestions for you to consider as you prepare to live outside the United States for two years. If you wear glasses. so if you plan on traveling longer.8580. bring two pairs. Family ❒ Notify family that they can call the Peace Corps' Office of Special Services at any time if there is a critical illness or death of a family member (telephone number: 800.424. Obtain a personal passport if you plan to travel after your service ends.638.) Medical/Health ❒ ❒ ❒ Complete any needed dental and medical work. 24-hour duty officer: 202. Arrange to take a six-month supply of all medications (including birth control pills) you are currently taking. extension 1470. Verify that luggage meets the size and weight limits for international travel.
Voting ❒ Register to vote in the state of your home of record.) Arrange to continue Medicare coverage if applicable. 92 PEACE CORPS .Insurance ❒ ❒ Make arrangements to maintain life insurance coverage. Arrange to maintain supplemental health coverage while away. Arrange to have an absentee ballot forwarded to you overseas. This is especially true when insurance companies know you have predictable expenses and are in an upper age bracket. (Many state universities consider voting and payment of state taxes as evidence of residence in that state. If there is a lapse in supplemental health coverage it is difficult and expensive to be reinstated for insurance. ❒ Personal Papers ❒ Bring a copy of your certificate of marriage or divorce. it is advisable for people who have preexisting conditions to arrange for the continuation of their supplemental health coverage. ❒ ❒ Personal Effects ❒ Purchase personal property insurance for the time you leave your home for service overseas until the time you complete your service and return to the United States. (Even though the Peace Corps is responsible for your health care during Peace Corps service overseas.) Obtain a voter registration card and take it with you overseas.
Arrange for deductions from your readjustment allowance to pay alimony. ❒ A WE LCOM E BOOK · EAST TI MOR 93 .Financial Management ❒ ❒ ❒ Obtain student loan deferment forms from the lender or loan service. Execute a power of attorney for the management of your property and business.8580. and bonds—in a safe deposit box or with an attorney or other caretaker.424. Place all important papers—mortgages. child support. deeds. and other debts through Volunteer Financial Operations at 800. stocks. extension 1770.
gov Toll-free Extension Direct/ Local Number Ext.1875 202. # (see below) Peace Corps Paul D. and Asia Victoria Oliver Desk Officer E-mail: easttimor@ peacecorps. Coverdell Peace Corps Headquarters 1111 20th Street. Mediterranean. 1875 Ext. Peace Corps Headquarters Toll-free Number: 800.C O NTACTI N G P EAC E C O R P S H EAD Q UARTE R S The following list of numbers will help you contact the appropriate office at Peace Corps headquarters with various questions.692. You may use the toll-free number and extension or dial directly using the local numbers provided.8580. 2412 202. then Ext.2412 Programming or Country Information A WE LCOM E BOOK · EAST TI MOR 95 .692. Be sure to leave the Peace Corps tollfree number and extensions with your family in the event of an emergency during your service overseas. DC 20526 Peace Corps' Mailing Address: For Questions About: Responding to an Invitation Staff Office of Placement Europe.424. NW Washington. Press 2.
For Questions About: Plane Tickets. 1770 800.692.692. Readjustment Allowance Withdrawals.692. 1845 202.1500 Handled by a Subcontractor Volunteer Financial Operations Ext. Ext.692. Power of Attorney Ext.2574 (after-hours answering service) 96 PEACE CORPS .1470 9–5 EST 202.1865 Family Emergencies (to get information to a Volunteer overseas) Office of Special Services Ext.1770 Staging (Pre-departure Office of Staging Orientation) and Reporting Instructions Note: You will receive comprehensive information (hotel and flight arrangements) three to five weeks before departure. 1500 202. This information is not available sooner.1845 Medical Clearance and Forms Processing (including dental) Medical Reimbursements Loan Deferments.638. 1865 202.692. Visas. or Other Travel Matters Legal Clearance Staff Travel Officer (Sato Travel) Toll-free Extension Ext.818. 1470 202. Taxes.1170 Office of Placement Screening Nurse Ext. Passports.8772 202.692. 1170 Direct/ Local Number 202.
Coverdell Peace Corps Headquarters 1111 20th Street NW · Washington.gov · 1-800-424-8580 .P EAC E C O R P S Paul D.peacecorps. DC 20526 · www.
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