A robust civil society in Timor-Leste ensures the voices of citizens are heard and their needs are addressed, creating the environment for positive change. Counterpart’s USAID/NGO Advocacy for Good Governance Activity helps Timorese NGOs gain visibility and strengthen their organizational capacity, which enables partners like The Timor-Leste NGO Forum, or FONGTIL, to transform their advocacy work through innovation.
The organization launched an online learning platform in January that is designed to strengthen information exchange, coordination, capacity building, and advocacy among local NGOs. The platform benefits The Timor-Leste NGO Forum, an umbrella organization for 270 NGOs, and its 14 networks. Topics covered include financial management, crowdsourcing, outreach, research, and advocacy tools. The platform facilitates information dissemination, optimizes resource allocation, manages calendars and events, and encourages networking, strategy sharing, and coalition-building.
(From left to right) Inocencio de Jesus Xavier, president of FONGIL’s Fiscal Council, Mark Anthony White, USAID/Timor-Leste interim mission director, Mariano Sabino Lopes, deputy prime minister, Valentim da Costa Pinto, executive director of FONGTIL, and Joaquim da Costa Freitas, coordinator support for civil society organizations at Gabinete Apoio Sociedade Civil, launch the online learning platform in January.
This collaborative effort is the result of close cooperation between two USAID activities—NGO Advocacy for Good Governance and Health System Sustainability Activity, led by Abt Associates. The platform’s launch marks a crucial milestone for the organization and its member NGOs and sectoral networks, providing them with a web-based learning tool for the first time.
Several key stakeholders attended the launch event, including the U.S. Embassy’s USAID interim mission director, Mark Anthony White, and deputy prime minister Mariano Sabino Lopes, along with other government representatives, development partners, and NGOs.
White emphasized the U.S.’s enduring commitment to the country’s development, and he encouraged the NGOs and their networks to leverage the platform for effective coordination, resource sharing, information exchange, and strategy development. Lopes highlighted the importance of the platform in disseminating information and strengthening advocacy in critical areas such as health, education, and agriculture. During the event, he also underscored the significant role NGOs play in advocating and monitoring government programs at the grassroots level.
The launch of the online learning platform marks a significant milestone in empowered NGOs enhancing their coordination and policy advocacy. The Timor-Leste NGO Forum will oversee the platform with technical and financial support from the activities, ensuring its effectiveness and sustainability is maintained. Counterpart will continue to support the uploading of content and platform functionality.
