| Oecussi |
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CoCCA has continued to aid Timor-Leste in expanding its internet networking capacity with multiple systems on mainland Timor as well as the island of Atauro and now in the enclave of Oecussi. Oecussi is part of the country of Timor but is surrounded on three sides by West Timor ( Indonesia) , and the fourth by the sea. A 12-hour ferry journey or 7 hour drive, Oecussi is desperately isolated from its mother country. Isolation, poverty and the legacy of nearly 25 years of unrest has resulted in a situation where information sharing across borders in this region is at a minimum. However, last week CoCCA sponsored the installation of a satellite connection and network in Padiae, Oecussi at the Padiae Community Center. With the kit and a technician from CoCCA and assistance from six or seven youth from the area the network was successfully connected and the leader of the community center Madre Erma Luz was able to send the first email. The jump from unreliable once weekly post-mail to a solar powered satellite connection will significantly improve the residents of Oecussi’s access to the flow of information. They will use this new connection for educational research, community computer courses and communication. The grateful Madre’s explained that connecting geographically isolated parts of the world to outside information and resources has a remarkable impact on the lives of people who live there. This is the sixth remote, non-governmental institution in Timor-Leste to be connected to the internet by CoCCA, an additional four more are planned for the first quarter of 2010. |