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One
of Timor-Leste's largest student-based groups held its fourth national
congress in the capital, Dili, recently to formulate its strategies
for the next four years. Members of the National Resistance of
the Students of Timor-Leste (RENETIL) gathered from across the
country. Members of other Timor-Leste youth groups, local and international
NGOs, the government, political parties, and independent observers
also attended, bringing the number of participants to more than
300.
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The motto for the
recent congress was "Strengthening Independence with a New
Spirit." After three days of discussion, RENETIL's members
agreed a new strategy that will focus on four main goals:
- to prepare professional manpower to help renew Timor-Leste
- to protect and develop the nation’s cultural identity
- to guard against practices that inhibit the building of a
democratic government
- to cooperate with national and international institutions
to develop a strong society.
At the congress, members evaluated their work over the past four
years and agreed to adapt their organization to the new strategy.
Coming elections include the posts of general secretary, vice general
secretary, the supervisory council and the Commission on Verification
and Audit. RENETIL retains its status as an independent organization
and will continue to support social development, monitor government
activities, and influence policy and legislation in the interests
of its members. RENETIL is now in its sixteenth year.
Founded with support from then-resistance leader Xanana Gusmao,
the organization lobbied for Timor-Leste' independence when many
of its members were students in Indonesia, and since independence
it has been active in the new country's reconstruction and development.
It played an important role in disseminating information for the
independence referendum in 1999.
USAID's small grants program has supported RENETIL since December
1999 with grants totaling more than $200,000. RENETIL engages
Timorese in vital democracy-building activities, brings news
and information to all of the country's districts in its weekly
news digest, Neon Metin, and helps educate residents in civic
and social issues.
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