“Cooperatives Are Vital for Boosting Household Economic Growth in Rural and Remote Areas”
Laleia, June 18, 2025
His Excellency the Secretary of State for Cooperatives (SEKoop), Eng. Arsénio Pereira da Silva, M.Agr., officially inaugurated the Directive and Fiscal Council structures of the RARAWAKO, HALIMAHON, HEFAM, and HUDEF Credit Unions in the Parochial Hall of Laleia, Administrative Post of Laleia, Manatuto Municipality, on Wednesday morning.
Before becoming cooperatives, these began as Savings and Loan Groups facilitated by World Vision Timor-Leste (WVTL) under the Climate Resilience for All program initiated in 2020.
In his speech, SEKoop emphasized that cooperatives are a strong means to boost grassroots economic growth and encouraged other communities to engage in the cooperative movement.
“Congratulations to all who took office today. From now on, cooperatives must be taken seriously. Those who have become members and received funding should treat the cooperative as their primary source of income to support household finances and develop the cooperative itself. When everyone is involved, even during crises, the base economy will remain stable,” stressed SEKoop.
The President of the Manatuto Municipal Authority, Luís Inácio Henrique Fernandes, challenged the new leaders to manage and grow their cooperatives well, ensuring benefits to members and the community. He also recommended SEKoop to continue monitoring their day-to-day activities.
The cooperative presidents requested SEKoop to continue providing training in accounting, management, and finance, so they can lead their cooperatives towards long-term sustainability.
Currently:
• HALIMAHON Credit Union has 26 members (25 women, 1 man),
• RARAWAKO has 27 members (24 women, 3 men),
• HEFAM has 18 members (9 women, 9 men) from Uatulari,
• HUDEF has 16 members (7 women, 9 men) from Ossoala, Vemasse, Baucau Municipality.
Attendees included representatives of the Municipal Authorities of Baucau and Manatuto, SEKoop’s Director-General Eng. Olderico Lopes, the WVTL National Director, Administrators of Vemasse and Laleia Posts, the Parish Priest of Laleia, the PNTL Commander of Laleia, and community leaders.
