Project Start: September 2006
Nestled in the Indonesian Archipelago, East Timor is the world’s newest nation following a 24 year struggle for independence from neighboring Indonesia and, before it, over 200 years of Portuguese rule.

Struggling to find its footing on the international stage, East Timor is in dire need of all manner of aid and support ranging from basic education to health and sanitation. The looming problem that threatens to rip the young country apart, however, is gang violence. In Dili, its capital, groups of disaffected youth prowl the streets at night ignited by the slightest act.

In engaging these youth, Edge-ucate.org partners with several international and domestic partners including the government of East Timor who have made the significant investment in their country’s bright future by funding over a million dollars of Edge-ucate.org projects in their country.

The Edge-ucate.org Youth Integration and Development Initiative will see the building, opening, and operating of six 24 hour youth centers in Dili over the course of 2006 and 2007. By giving these youth a safe place to better themselves, Edge-ucate.org is able to help deescalate the current conflict, as well as to build a foundation of educated, skilled young adults increasing the capacity and sustainability of the Timorese economy.