Meet mother-daughter volunteer duo in Timor-Leste

Meet Helen and Georgia – a mother and daughter who have been volunteering together in Timor-Leste. Helen’s three-month assignment as an English Language Mentor involved supporting the energetic crew at Permaculture Timor-Leste (PERMATIL) gear up for English convos ahead of the Permatil Global Youth Convergence.

Georgia has been in Timor-Leste a little longer (four+ years and counting!) and is supporting survivors of human rights violations at AJAR Justice and Rights Timor-Leste and helping strengthen the organisation behind the scenes.

We sat down with Helen and Georgia for a chat and discovered what it’s like to volunteer together in Timor-Leste.

What We Have Learned

Georgia
Being a volunteer here carries a lot of historical meaning – not just practically, but symbolically. Timor-Leste has a long history of international solidarity, and working on justice and human rights here is part of a bigger, global movement. It’s powerful to be a part of local organisations and continue the legacy in fighting for issues that go beyond borders.

Helen
Timorese folks are some of the busiest people I’ve ever met – between community events, family obligations, and working in the ’foho’ (rural areas), they still show up to learn English! It’s no small feat either. Teaching beginners can take 180+ hours, but every conversation is worth it.

Things We Love

Helen
The roosters waking me up at 5:30 am. Every. Morning.

Georgia
Wait ‘til you get a pet goat. Then the fun really begins.

Helen
I love being surrounded by the laughter and energy of staff and students. Even the awkward bits of learning a new language have turned into joyful moments. Through our conversations, I’ve heard everything – from wedding plans to big cultural shifts, and the dreams [the students] have for their kids.

Georgia
One thing I adore here is how wins are shared. Got a job? Celebrate with your family and friends. Learned something new? Share it with your cousins. Made too much food? Take it to your neighbour’s house. That collectivist spirit is something we don’t do of as much back home – and it’s widely altered how I move through the world.

Things We've Shared

Both
The best part is doing this together. Volunteering away from home can feel isolating at times – new places, tough work, cultural differences and dodgy sidewalks. But having each other here has made a huge difference.

Georgia
It’s been special to have Mum here and have her experience the life I’ve built.

Helen
I’ve been so touched by how open the volunteer community is – young, old, everyone in between. There’s a real sense of mutual respect, and it’s been lovely seeing how inclusive and supportive the vibe is. And yes, being here with my daughter has added something really unique to the whole experience.

Georgia
Having someone close to you reflect your thoughts and reactions back at you, in a different age and stage has been grounding. It’s helped me grow in patience with myself and others and also helped me find better ways to communicate life and learnings here to people back home.

Final Thoughts

Helen
Before coming here, I didn’t truly grasp the depth of Georgia’s work, especially with survivors and the community at AJAR TL. Now I’ve seen it with my own eyes and met some of the people – the impact of the work she is involved in and the respect she’s earned. It’s pretty awe-inspiring.

This journey isn’t just about volunteering – it’s about showing up, taking a leap, and living the values we’ve always believed in. Doing it side-by-side is the part we’ll never forget.

Georgia
Don’t let the goats and roosters fool you – Timor will steal your heart.