Dillyana Ximenes, National Director of Plan International Timor-Leste, and Fr Joaquim Sarmento SJ, Regional Superior of the Jesuits in Timor-Leste, at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Child Safeguarding on 16 June

The Jesuits in Timor-Leste have taken a significant step towards the implementation of a child safeguarding policy through a partnership with Plan International, a development and humanitarian organisation focused on children’s rights.

The collaboration is seen as an important contribution to the realisation of the Timor-Leste National Development Plan, particularly on the objective of sustainable development. The Society of Jesus in Timor serves an important role in nation building through its strong ties with the government in supporting and implementing the national task plan on children’s right to education, and promoting welfare and justice in the country.

Plan International Timor-Leste expressed their desire to collaborate with the Fundação Companhia de Jesus in Timor-Leste given the Jesuits’ work in shaping young people to serve the church and society by fostering intellectual competence, spiritual compassion, and human conscience, which Plan International considers important in the protection and defence of children’s rights, especially their right to a better future.

The Jesuits in Timor-Leste are grateful for the resources and expertise of Plan International as they carry out the vital work of protecting the welfare of children and young people in their ministries.