At Mornington Peninsula Friends of Lospalos, our mission is to build capacity and advance the self-sufficiency of communities in the Lospalos region of Timor-Leste through friendship, goodwill and sustainable development. For more than 20 years, this friendship has driven meaningful community-led change — from scholarships that help train future teachers, to infrastructure and health projects identified by local leaders themselves.
One of the latest initiatives we are proud to support is the expansion of Kafe Fitun Seraphine, a community-run café in Fuiloru Village, Lospalos, established by the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Precious Blood (ADM Sisters).
The project officially commenced in February this year, and is expected to be completed by mid-2026.
Across Timor-Leste, young women face barriers that limit their opportunities in education and employment. Challenges such as lack of job-ready skills, limited exposure to workplace experience, and ongoing gender inequities contribute to high rates of unemployment — particularly for those who have left school early.
To help address this, the ADM Sisters have created Kafe Fitun Seraphine, a local business that doubles as a practical training space. Here, women who have completed culinary courses at the ADM Training Centre are given hands-on experience in hospitality, customer service and small business operations. This model gives graduates not only valuable skills but also a pathway to earning income, gaining confidence, and building a future in their own communities.
Demand for the café’s services has steadily grown from:
However, the current facility is no longer large enough to support this growth or to provide adequate space for trainees to learn and work effectively.
The proposed cafeteria expansion responds directly to this need. By adding a larger dining space, the project will:
✔ provide a proper environment for apprentices to develop practical work experience
✔ create more employment opportunities for young women
✔ strengthen the sustainability of the café as a local enterprise
✔ support the wider community and local supply networks
This project reflects the very heart of what we aim to do at Friends of Lospalos — support locally led solutions that empower people in Lospalos.
What makes initiatives like this especially meaningful is that they are proposed by the community itself. Mornington Peninsula Friends of Lospalos works closely with the Lospalos Friendship Commission and community leaders to fund projects that are beneficial, sustainable and achievable.
Our role is not to impose solutions, but to listen, learn and support — helping turn local aspirations into real, lasting impact.
You can help support projects like this by:
💛 Donating — Every tax-deductible donation helps fund community-identified initiatives in Lospalos.
🤝 Joining as a member — Stay connected with our work and participate in upcoming opportunities.
📣 Sharing this story — Awareness fuels community support, and every voice counts.