2008年-世界发展银行全球_World_Bank_Youth_Centre_Mapping_12页_527kb

Youth Centre Mapping in Timor Leste Summary

A. Introduction

This document provides an overview of the mapping of Youth Centres (YC) in Timor Leste, focusing on their role in addressing youth needs and development. A Youth Centre is a physical space where young people gather for discussions, coordination, and participation in various activities. These centres can be located in schools, church grounds, government offices, or community buildings, and they serve both urban and rural areas. While some YCs are well-resourced and host diverse programs, others are underfunded or defunct, often due to lack of maintenance, political tensions, or community disputes.

B. Methodology

The mapping involved two groups:

• G1: Conducted surveys across all 13 districts, visiting 19 YCs.
• G2: Conducted interviews in 5 districts (Baucau, Viqueque, Lautem, Cova Lima, and Liquica), covering approximately 15 sub-districts, visiting 13 YCs and interviewing 18 individuals, including youth, government officials, YC representatives, and staff.

Preparation included meetings in Dili with government ministries, religious organizations, and I/NGO's to establish contacts with YCs in the districts.

C. Key Findings

i. Number of Youth Centres

• A total of 32 YCs were surveyed.
• 22 YCs were active, while 10 were defunct.

ii. Infrastructure

• Active YCs: 22 out of 32
• Defunct YCs: 10 out of 32 (5 still used for small meetings)
• Rooms: Most YCs have 3–5 rooms; some have only one.
• Rehabilitation Needs: Approximately 80% of YCs require small to large-scale rehabilitation.
• Water Availability: 1 out of 32 YCs has 24-hour electricity via solar power; 18 have generators, but many face issues with maintenance and fuel.

iii. Equipment

• Sports Equipment: 14 YCs have equipment (soccer balls, volleyballs, basketballs, etc.), while 18 do not.
• IT Equipment: 18 YCs have IT equipment, but over 50% is non-functional due to lack of maintenance and electricity.
• Furniture: 17 YCs have furniture; 15 do not.

iv. Funding Sources

• Most YCs receive funding from international NGOs (e.g., World Vision, CRS, Care, Oxfam).
• Only 2 YCs have paid staff.
• The GoTL provides funding for specific national events.
• No YC receives regular operational funding from large donors.

v. Users of the Centre

• On average, both men and women use YCs, though women's participation increases during cultural events.
• Activities are open to all genders.
• Participants are generally aged between 15 and 35.
• Some YCs are also used by NGOs and UN agencies for workshops and training.

vi. Operational Management

• YCs are managed by district youth leaders, priests, and government staff.
• Only 10 YCs have a constitution or mandate.
• Most YCs have an informal executive structure for management.

vii. Youth Centre Activities

• Main Activities: Sports, computer training, and English language training.
• Future Priorities: Respondents expressed interest in agriculture, carpentry, and mechanics training, which are seen as more community-focused and employment-retaining than IT or language courses.
• Computer Training: Often limited to evening hours due to electricity constraints, with a preference for male users.

D. Conclusion

The Youth Centres in Timor Leste vary significantly in terms of resources, infrastructure, and activities, often depending on their affiliations with religious or NGO institutions. While some YCs are well-supported and active, many face challenges such as lack of electricity, water, and maintenance. The Suai YC in Cova Lima District is highlighted as a successful model, utilizing solar power and generating income through community partnerships.

Key recommendations include:

• Improving infrastructure through minimal rehabilitation.
• Providing consistent funding for electricity and water.
• Promoting alternative energy solutions, such as solar power.
• Increasing local language educational materials.
• Supporting sustainable activities that retain youth in their communities.

The mapping underscores the need for a more coordinated and sustainable approach to supporting Youth Centres in Timor Leste, especially given the high proportion of youth in the population.