West Timor Loans for Freedom

West Timor is located in Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT), the poorest province in Indonesia. Government estimates indicate that: 80 per cent of households in NTT have an income of less than two dollars a day; 84 per cent of the population live in rural areas; and 17 per cent are unable to read and write. Above: Map of Indonesia

Loans for Freedom is a project of the Tanaoba Lais Manekat Foundation (TLM), the development agency of the Evangelical Christian Church in Timor. TLM provide small loans to poor families and community groups to fund income-generating projects. This is known as microfinance, which enables economic and social transformation for current and future generations. Above: Microfinance has enabled this mother to farm and sell produce

These loans don’t bind families in debt, but provide opportunities that empower entire communities to move themselves out of poverty. The loans carry minimal interest, and come with the support of dedicated field officers who provide business training and support throughout the duration of the loan. Over 95 per cent of clients pay back their loan on time. Above: A family living in Betun, located in northern West Timor.

Five facts about microfinance 1.Loans, not handouts All loans are repayable and a provided with basic business training. 2.Helping communities to help themselves Microfinance empowers individuals and communities to generate their own income. 3.It works This project has been operating successfully since 2001, and the lives of over individuals have been transformed. 4.Enabling education enabling health: The future generation will have access to opportunities that their parents often went without. This will lead to lasting community transformation. 5.Developing sustainably The loan, once repaid, can be lent out again to new clients. The small interest charges help to cover the costs of administering the loans and providing training.

Several types of projects are available, including: Animal fattening: A young cow or pig is loaned to a client, who raises it, sells it at the market, and keeps the profit. Business expansion: Clients can expand a kiosk into a small shop to improve sales. Farming: A farm can be expanded, or new tools and fertilisers bought to increase productivity. Above: Sarce Betty Simon is on her third cattle fattening loan. Her children now attend school daily and have regular medical checkups.

Since 2006, over loans have benefited individuals in the areas surrounding Betun. This has enabled thousands of families to access basic health care and education. Over 50 percent of these are women. With your support, TLM will expand their client base by 1200 by 2012, upgrading vital infrastructure, and exploring new methods of income generation. Above: A farming loan recipient

Donations to the Loans for Freedom Appeal can be made online at: Donations can also be posted to: PO Box A2266 Sydney South NSW 1235 Phone: Fax: (02) Gifts of $2 and more are tax deductible. “With solid foundations, communities and families in West Timor can build their own futures.” Rob Floyd, Associate Director, Relief and Development