Our work past and present

Alongside our Omucano Village Clean Water Project, Souro Village was also identified as having challenges around accessing clean water. The Friends have approved proposals for a range of pipes and equipment to allow them to pump water closer to their residence. This is being rolled out during the end of 2025.

Omucano, a Lautem district village, was visited by the Friends to better understand the challenges faced by the local village community to access clean water. To access a clean water natural spring, the community, mainly children, had to walk uphill over 250 meters with large buckets filled with water, returning with it home. The village water project proposal was put forward for the funding of tanks and to pipe the spring water to provide better and safe access. The Friends confirmed funding and the project was completed in early 2025.

With the successful 2019 and 2023 Specs for Lospalos I and II optometry clinics at the Lospalos Hospital, we have established firm working relationships, enabling ongoing support for optometry at the Lospalos Hospital. During our 2025 trip, we were able to provide optometry equipment to support the hospital's new local Optometrist.

Expanding access to primary education through the training of teachers from and for the Lospalos community. 12 teachers trained since 2009.

The people of Cacavei lacked a building where the community could meet. Multipurpose community buildings are used for a variety of occasions in Timor-Leste, including elections, public announcements and gatherings, training and education. The community uses this new faacility for development planning for their village.

The construction of a multi-purpose community building in Raca Village.

Providing resources for the Centre to deliver an English language course for 50 local students – 29 males, 21 females.

Providing optometry eye examinations for 390 Timorese and spectacles in a volunteer optometry clinic conducted at the Lospalos Hospital over 5 days in July 2019. (Donated equipment estimated value $33,550, monetary donations $2,200).

Construction of a library building at a local Lospalos school. 18 teachers and 613 student beneficiaries.

Toilets for the community of Lospalos.

The construction of an all-weather bridge to overcome community separation caused by annual flooding. The bridge enables intracommunity linkages, access to health and education services, trade and community activities. Beneficiaries 25 families, 100 plus people.

The project was to rehabilitate an old basketball/volleyball court at the Lulira school.

Laptop, internet and English training 30 per course in 2015 and 2016.

Friends of Lospalos hosted two Lospalos officials district and sub-district administrators to the Melbourne Conference on Local Government and Friendship Groups; and then facilitated attendance of Council Meetings, briefings on local government services and roles and study tours with a focus on tourism, environment, water and sanitation.

Provision of 200 harmonicas and two harmonica music seminars as a vehicle for strengthening friendships through music between communities of Lospalos and Mornington Peninsula. (200 beneficiaries).