In its early days of independence, Timor-Leste had one of the world’s highest birth rates. 20 years on from the nation’s vote for freedom, those babies are on the brink of adulthood, having grown up in a sovereign country still bearing the bruises of a vicious fight for freedom.
In its early days of independence, Timor-Leste had one of the world’s highest birth rates—each woman would give birth to more than seven children, as families sought to rebuild their nation. Now, 20 years on from the nation’s 1999 vote for freedom, those first babies are on the brink of adulthood, having grown up in a free, safe, and sovereign country still bearing the bruises of a vicious fight for freedom.
Here, in their own words, is what life is like today for those children of independence.
We longed to be ourselves. We wanted to take pride in being ourselves—as people and a nation. Children… it is time to sing and dance. This is our freedom to enjoy.
We are independent, ad-free and pro-democracy. Our operations are member-funded. Membership starts from just US$5/month! Alternatively, write to sponsorship@newnaratif.com to request a free sponsored membership. As a member, you are supporting fair payment of freelancers, and a movement for democracy and transnational community building in Southeast Asia.
Sophie Raynor is a freelance writer based in Dili, Timor-Leste, interested in gender, youth and politics in Southeast Asia. She is on Twitter @raynorsophie.
Log in or
