The Ministry of State Administration and Territorial Management (MAE), in partnership with with USAID counterpart agencies, will provide financial management and transparency training for local leaders as it is these leaders who will be responsible for the implementation of the National Plan of Village Development (PNDS).
State Administration and Territorial Management Minister Jorge da Concencao Teme said it was important to provide financial management and transparency training as PNDS’s programs are now being implemented.
“It is the xefi sucos who will control, monitor and be responsible for all PNDS processes, hence we proposed to the American counterparts to train them so the money goes towards people’s wellbeing, and is not abused by those in power,” he said during the signing of the agreement in MAE’s VIP room, in Dili.
Minister Teme said MAE had many priorities this year, chief among which were to focus on administrative decentralization and local development, with village heads playing prominent roles.
The minister appealed to all local and national organizations taking part in the training to do so to the best of their ability so Timorese people are able to deal with money and contribute to their nation’s development.
“All participants should get knowledge after the training,” Minister Teme said.
USAID Counterpart co-ordinator Carolyn Tanner said that prior to the training, Counterpart would, in collaboration with stakeholders such as Belun would assess the sucos and improve the training methods.
Ms Tanner said a survey by Counterpart had revealed leaders needed to improve their knowledge in six areas; leadership, transparency, financial management, co-ordination, collaboration and communication.
“The training is related to the needs of each suco and as such we are making quick assessments of each of those villages that will attend the training in order to identify the areas which need work,” she said.
Representatives from 100 sucos from Baucau, Covaluima, Oe-Cusse, Ermera and Liquisa districts will participate in the training.
This pilot project will take four years with $6 million support from USAID. (USAID) with amount of money of US $ 6 million.
