Alola Foundation

The Alola Foundation promotes many things including economic development and support for woman and children in East Timor.

About the Alola Foundation (Fundasaun Alola)

Alola is the childhood nickname of a young East Timorese girl. During the violence of September 1999, Alola was kidnapped by a militia leader and taken to Indonesian West Timor. She was 15 years old.

Alola's story provided the impetus for the creation of the Alola Foundation - the needs of many other women who have since passed through doors of the Foundation have generated many new programs and initiatives to support the empowerment of women in Timor-Leste.

While Fundasaun Alola was originally created to raise awareness of the widespread sexual violence against women and girls in Timor-Leste during the militia attacks of September 1999 it also provides a wide range of vitally important hands-on support for the women and children of Timor-Leste.

Working with community groups and individuals, our programs aim to improve maternal and child health, create employment, promote human rights, strengthen community development, and improve the status of women. Now employing over 100 staff, Alola is committed to developing strong women who will be the leaders of the future in Timor-Leste. Kirsty Sword Gusmao is Chairperson of Alola.

"Strong women, strong nation is our vision. And with your help, that vision can become a reality."