After finding success in guiding 12 horticulture groups under a previous program the HIAM Health national organisation has vowed to support six new horticulture groups in Ermera municipality.
The Executive Director of HIAM Health, Rosaria Martins da Cruz, said the aim of her organisation is to reduce malnutrition in Timor-Leste especially in Ermera municipality given that rates of malnutrition here are high.
“Together we implemented 12 green houses in Ermera municipality and expanded to six other sukus. We prepare farmers to be independent and to think as modern farmers,” said Director da Cruz at the Novo Turismu Hotel, in Dili.
She added that before the intervention is implemented, communities attend horticulture training related to nutrition for a week at the HIAM Health training centre in Dili.
The program is supported by Sunrise Joint Venture with aims to educate communities and to contribute towards the reduction of malnutrition in Timor-Leste.
Meanwhile, a representative of Sunrise Joint Venture, Antonio dos Santos, said he appreciated the results shown by the implementers and that many of the groups are independent.
“It’s very good to help the community implement green houses and are committed to supporting by guiding them,” she said.
The National Director for Community Health, Carlito Freitas Correia said he appreciates the efforts of HIAM Health for help reducing malnutrition by educating the community on how to grow nutritious plants.
“I appreciate their efforts and for supporting the Ministry [of Health] by educating communities and the families,” he said also.
