Sophie Ford
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Youth Red Cross, Timor Leste Red Cross |
- How did you come to be living and working in Dili?
I applied for a volunteer role with Cruz Vermelha de Timor Leste (CVTL) - the Red Cross Society of Timor Leste. Before coming to Dili I was working with the Red Cross in Australia in a program management position that fulfilled many of my career goals except my itch to again live and work overseas. I was keen to continue working with the Red Cross movement, so when this opportunity presented itself I jumped at the chance.
- What are some of your daily work activities?
My role is aimed at building the capacity of the Youth Department at CVTL. I work alongside Timorese staff and volunteers to plan and implement projects for young people across Timor-Leste. Timor Leste has an incredibly young population - more than 50% of the 1 million citizens are under 18, while 25% are aged between 15 and 29. Red Cross' projects aim to positively engage young people to become more active in their own development and that of their communities. Activities range from Life Skills and reproductive health workshops to road safety awareness programs, and sport and music based projects.
- In your role, what are the highlights of working with different cultures?
My daily interactions with my Timorese colleagues, friends and neighbours teach me a huge amount about this country. Every day I am surprised by how open the Timorese are in sharing their personal stories, their culture and a laugh.
I think language tells a lot about a culture - when you learn a new word or term it can be a real insight into understanding some of the cultural differences. Investing time to learn Tetun continues to be a highlight of working here. This has not been without its hiccups but people are incredibly patient and really appreciate the effort. It leads to a lot of funny cross cultural moments too!
- How do you manage the differences in cultural differences?
It can be easy to get frustrated with cultural differences, but often if you take a moment to stop and think “why?” you realise that the difference is often a product of history and experience. Timor-Leste is a post-conflict country so it is important to remain conscious of the recent history, and the residual trauma that exists at both the individual and societal level. I think this helps to explain the main difference I have found working here, which is that life is lived in and for the moment. In a work setting this means there is a very different approach to planning and timeframes which I have found very challenging at times - but I am sure my colleagues are equally confused by my approach! Ultimately it's the cultural differences that make work and life here interesting.
- What do you enjoy most about living in Dili?
I would have to say the people! My Timorese colleagues are wonderful and the expatriate community is extremely diverse; the UN mission and presence of NGO’s from around the world mean that Timor-Leste is full of interesting people. I have made some friends here who I know will remain so for life.
Timor is a stunning country. It feels like a bit of a secret paradise - the beaches and mountains are incredibly beautiful and yet to be discovered by large-scale tourism! I try to get out to hike and swim on weekends, and never get sick of Dili's amazing sunsets.
- How can Australia make a stronger contribution towards building positive relations with the Asian region?
I think it is about mutual respect and understanding. Australians can show our respect by investing the time to learn about the history, culture and very importantly the languages of countries in our region.
I also believe Australia's capacity to build more positive relationships is subject to our willingness as a nation to take a considered approach to policies that impact our neighbours, as well as our efforts as individuals to stand up and ask questions when this doesn't occur.