ABOUT US
Timor Children’s Foundation is a not for profit, non-denominational, group that was set up in 2002, with the goal of helping “disadvantaged children in East Timor”. We have adopted as our motto a quote from the 18th century English reformer, John Wesley –
​
“Do all the good you can by all the means you can.”
East Timor is one of Australia’s closest neighbours. It is a nation which has faced decades of oppression and violence and continues to be on the list of least developed nations in the world. At most risk are the children. A specific focus for The Timor Children's Foundation has been providing assistance to orphans and young adults. There are over 40 children’s homes in East Timor. Children are often placed in these facilities because their families are too poor to look after them. Many families are also too poor to pay for their children's education.
WHO WE ARE
Bob Mitchell, the founder of Timor Children’s Foundation, went to East Timor in 2002, and was deeply affected by the poverty and struggle of the East Timorese people. This led him to set up Timor Children’s Foundation as a trustee for the Timor Children’s Foundation Overseas Aid Fund. Lives were changed as funds were quickly raised and projects developed to support the disadvantaged.
​
Today, East Timor continues to struggle with poverty and it is listed as one of the 33 Least Developed Nations in the world. The civil unrest that has been a prominent part of this country’s history in recent years, and has contributed to large numbers of children being disadvantaged – being either orphaned or so poor that their families are unable to care for them.
In 2007, the Scholarship Fund, chaired by Mr Arie van Klinken, amalgamated with the Timor Children’s Foundation. The scholarships program is now a major project of Timor Children's Foundation.
​
The Timor Children’s Foundation Overseas Aid Fund is a member organisation of World Relief. World Relief auspices the activities of many smaller aid and development funds which operate from a Christian perspective. It provides invaluable resources to support and better inform our development of projects.
​
Current Executive:
-
Dr Richard Copland
-
Mr Nathan Godfrey
-
Mrs Julia Godfrey
-
Rev John Ruhle
-
Dr Lydia Pitcher
-
Dr Malcolm Campbell
-
Dr Maddison Campbell
-
Mr Tristan Rolls
-
Mr Keith Elcock
-
Mrs Jan Elcock
