The tree recipients from Timor-Leste 2011-2013 of the Peace-Network (N-Peace) UNDP Regional Awards, Bangkok, Thailand, Filomena Barros dos Reis, Maria Lourdes Martins da Cruz and Madalena Bidau Soares “Kasian” joined efforts to run activities to influence and promote peace and security in society and in the nation. 
2011 recipient Filomena Barros dos Reis said the objective of the activities is to involve youths and the community in dialogue about the dangers of violence.
“They become aware of the value of life. We have also been involved in the negotiations with the Indonesian government on the implementation of the border pass programs for the communities of Oe-Cusse, Suai and Maliana,” said recipient Reis, in Dili.
They have also been conducting retreats for the community on how to follow with teachings of Jesus Christ and opened a kindergarten in Liquisa to assist in the education of children in the area.
She added currently people don’t like to talk to one another which is of concern because people don’t exchange their opinions on how to live in peace.
N-Peace Award recipient 2013, Madalena Bidau Soares, who is a veteran herself, urged all entities to respect and love each other and to live in peace and keep holding up the value of sovereignty that other nations respect.
“From now on we have to change ourselves by respecting each other, as the world doesn’t recognize us as a ball to be kicked around but we are recognized as a nation because we fought ourselves so we could have the value of freedom so we cannot let selves down.”
She uses the money she gets from a veteran’s pension to support different organizations and built the kindergarten in Liquisa and to bring together widows so they can work the land together or set up a restaurant or start a traditional tais weaving group so they can generate an income and sustain their livelihoods.
Post conflict nations part of the Peace-Network include Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Afghanistan, Philippine, Pakistan and Timor-Leste.
