Timor-Leste's weaving centres

East Timor Women Australia (ETWA) is a Melbourne based, not for profit organisation and run by volunteers. They provide and organise community oriented programs to support East Timorese women, particularly in the handcrafts industry. They aim to give women the opportunity to make real the benefits of sustainable handcrafts enterprises and, through the richness of weaving, help them maintain cultural integrity.

Three community weaving centres are proposed on 3 separate sites in remote villages on the eastern tip of the island of Timor Leste. Two centres will be located in the mountainous sub-district of Iliomar, in the villages of Fuat and Cainliu, and one in the flatlands of central Los Palos. The Architects for Peace probono team was first approached in April 2009. Debra Salvagno and Taryn Lane, representatives of ETWA, embarked on their annual weaving tour shortly afterwards and at the same time gathered site and land information for these building projects. ETWA is now in the process of drafting a design brief including a design information package with maps, site photos and information on local building technology and materials, for the future architect's reference.

A video clip showing how the women weaves can be viewed here.

ETWA has received support for materials from Rotary and is also working with the Alternative Technology Association to raise funds for solar panels in the three community weaving centres.

The draft design brief will be ready by October and we look forward to proceeding to the next stage of this fascinating project.

Our next step will be to advertise for pro bono service providers with expertise in sustainable building design. Although we are only at an early stage in the process, this is an exciting project that we hope will ultimately help to start a new chapter in the lives of the East Timorese women in these remote villages.

Queries of this project can be emailed to probono@architectsforpeace.org



photos courtesy : ETWA

Laverton Community Centre + Neighbourhood House

LCCNH is a not for profit Neighbourhood House managed by the local community. It offers family support, social and educational activities to all sectors of the local community, especially disadvantaged community group.

LCCNH  applied for a community grant to assist them in upgrading their current premises.  They currently operate from a small house with minimal storage and inadequate space for their 5 staff members.   The rear of the house contains classrooms where adult training is provided. Courses include cooking, English language and computer skills. 

A pro bono service provider was required to assist LCCNH with their grant application. Architects for Peace Pro Bono assisted in matching two applicants, Brad Hooper & Brooke Thorne, to assist with the grant application.  Brad Hooper (director of Brad Hooper Architect) and Brooke Thorne (interior designer & lecturer at Swinburne University) formed a team and worked with the client to produce initial concept drawings and an opinion of probable costs for the project.

The client was then able to incorporate these documents into their grant application.  The grant application was submitted at the start of March 2009 and we are awaiting a response. 

The team that was formed between Brad and Brooke was a great example of how architecture & design firms can team up with graduates and students to support each other and help provide pro bono services.  The skills of both service providers complimented each other.  As well as being an architect, Brad's previous experience as the Chair of the Management Board at the Port Melbourne Neighbourhood House meant that he understood the complexities of such projects and organisations.  Brooke's passion for pro bono work, interior design background and drawing skills assisted in providing design input and relevant drawings to the client.    

Rebuilding bushfire affected communities

Arch-peace pro bono services:

Our thoughts and condolences go to all those affected by the bushfires in Victoria as we share in a deep sense of sadness for what has occurred. Architects for Peace is committed to assisting communities in Victoria’s fire-affected areas.

Arch-peace Pro Bono Services has successfully operated on a community-driven (rather than top-bottom) approach, with community groups contacting us to initiate a project. We anticipate that this service may be able to play a part in the recovery process ahead, in conjunction with the action being taken by NGOs to identify areas of need and the individual offers of help that have begun to emerge from the industry.

Architects for Peace Offer of Assistance

Publish at Scribd or explore others: Articles Periodicals & Report archpeace pro bono

The Architects for Peace Pro Bono Team