Every day, the women and girls of Ostico endured the task of lugging dozens of plastic bottles to a contaminated stream. The journey was only the beginning; once they returned home, the water had to be boiled before it could be considered safe to use. It was a relentless process that consumed their time and energy, forcing them to walk many kilometres each day.
But this resilient community recognised the urgent need for better quality, more accessible water, not just to ease their daily toil but also to enhance their overall quality of life. The initial hurdle was locating a reliable water source as Ostico sits atop a limestone plateau, making it difficult to tap into the water supply flowing beneath them.
Undeterred, the community pressed on. They surveyed the women to better understand their needs. Once the elusive water source was discovered, Mary Ward International Australia funded the construction of a bore and a network of tanks to distribute clean water throughout the entire community. The construction of underground pipes, a collaborative effort with the community, delivered bore water to a towering reservoir, which in turn supplied smaller tanks and farmlands.
The transformation meant that approximately 500 families in Ostico no longer had to cart dirty water from a distant stream; instead, they enjoyed access to uncontaminated water year-round. These modest tanks, nestled within the village, became beacons of hope for the women who had long endured the burden of fetching water for their daily cooking and washing needs.
The construction of an external laundry facility eliminated the need for women to transport water for washing – not only enhancing their daily lives but also provided a gathering place, fostering a sense of community and improving overall well-being.
In Ostico, the journey from carrying plastic bottles to a contaminated stream to enjoying the benefits of clean water and enhanced opportunities embodies the remarkable transformation of a resilient community determined to uplift its members and embrace a brighter future.
In Ostico, an agricultural co-operative of 13 families spearheaded by local farmer Juliano, has also proved transformative for the community.
This endeavour, nestled within fertile land, recognised the power of joining forces. Individually, each family yielded limited produce, and the prospect of working the fields alone didn’t appeal to many.
Recognising the potential for collective economic opportunity, Mary Ward International Australia supporters covered the cost of a new tractor, revolutionising the farming landscape by enabling the families to plough expanses of land previously untapped.
Crops sown on the newly enlarged farmland have generated bountiful harvests. The farm also thrives from a regular supply of water provided by the new water infrastructure funded by MWIA, enabling crop rotation and yielding a wider variety of vegetables.
The diversity of crops cultivated is inspiring, offering both sustenance and variety to the community. From tomato and cucumber to chilli, pumpkin, sweet potato, watermelon, lettuce, papaya, choko and cassava, the harvest is a testament to Ostico’s agricultural capability.
The impact has been profound. Families have not only secured a reliable source of food but also a surplus to generate income through sales at markets from nearby Baucau, all the way to the capital Dili. The families then reinvest these earnings into their co-operative, ensuring its sustainability and growth.
Francisco, the farm’s coordinator, is equipped with an agriculture degree. He explores innovative and modern farming techniques that could be applied in Ostico, further enhancing productivity.
This initiative is a family affair, with dedicated members contributing their time and expertise. Their collective pride in their accomplishments fuels their desire to achieve even more. It not only nourishes bodies but also nurtures the community spirit, setting Ostico on a path of enduring prosperity.
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