In the remote, mountainous sub-district southwest of Suai, East Timor, communities have long struggled with high infant and maternal mortality rates, unreliable power, and a lack of clean water. However, the determined efforts of MEA Power Up are changing this reality. Through innovative projects and the generosity of volunteers and donors, MEA Power Up is bringing light and hope to these underprivileged communities, one initiative at a time.
“The real key element of MEA Power Up’s mission is delivering autonomy projects that provide essential health services, clean water, and renewable energy to those most in need.”
Critical challenges
East Timor, particularly the area southwest of Suai, has faced extreme socio-economic challenges for decades. Families often go without reliable power, and access to clean water is a daily struggle. The Teresa Orsini Maternity Clinic is the only maternity clinic in this area, and it has historically suffered from power outages that lasted weeks, burning out much of the hospital’s donated electrical equipment. These conditions contributed to a high infant and maternal mortality rate, around 30%, leaving families in constant fear and uncertainty.
Michael Reiken, one of the founding members of MEA Power Up, shared, “Without modern medical help, over 30% of childbirths in this village ended in tragedy. Now, with our support, the situation has vastly improved. Since the clinic received power and donated medical equipment, they’ve celebrated 177 births with only one fatality, showcasing the life-saving impact of reliable electricity and healthcare resources in such a remote area.”
Delivering autonomy and sustainability
“The real key element of MEA Power Up’s mission is delivering autonomy projects that provide essential health services, clean water, and renewable energy to those most in need,” Michael explains.
MEA Power Up was established to facilitate fundraising and provide logistical support to electrical contractors who volunteer their time to re-energise or establish new power supplies in underprivileged communities. The charity focuses not only on providing resources and equipment but also on offering the necessary training to help maintain these systems. The effects of MEA Power Up’s work are far-reaching, going beyond just providing power and access to clean water.
Michael adds, “The clinic has become the region’s central hub for storing vaccines, thanks to its reliable power source, significantly contributing to the reduction of infant mortality rates. Our improvements have made the clinic a sought-after training site for doctors and nurses, ensuring that more healthcare professionals are ready to serve the community. It’s about uplifting entire communities, not just individuals.”
Beyond electricity and water
MEA Power Up focuses on making changes beyond health and water. Lighting installed in the nearby girls’ dormitory has enabled the girls to study at night, a simple yet profound change that has boosted their self-esteem and confidence, paving the way for brighter futures.
Owen Blamires, another founding member, shared, “One of the most touching moments is seeing the little kids have access to decent food and reliable hygiene. It breaks your heart and speaks to the core of why we do this. Seeing those smiling faces, knowing we’ve made a difference, is priceless. It’s the best reward for our efforts.”
Community trust
Michael emphasises the importance of community involvement, “The Timorese people are always ready to help. Their willingness and smiles in the face of hardship are incredibly moving. One touching moment was when the local girls spotted that we were running out of water to finish the concreting on one of the installations and, without being asked, grabbed a bucket and walked a kilometre away to get enough water to help us finish the job.”
Volunteers often describe their trips to Timor as the most fulfilling experiences they’ve ever had. “From the pride we see in the residents after we have improved the area to the heartfelt welcoming concerts they put on, they really make us part of the community,” Michael says.
Ongoing maintenance and monitoring
MEA Power Up not only installs equipment but also provides systems for ongoing maintenance. They achieve this through community training and remote monitoring to ensure the equipment remains in working order.
“Our new technology allows us to monitor water levels in tanks remotely, ensuring that the systems we install continue to function efficiently and serve the community’s needs,” Michael explains. “Being able to monitor our work from Australia provides confidence that our installations in Timor are robust and reliable, despite the challenging conditions.”
Future projects
MEA Power Up now sets its sights on Gala in East Timor, aiming to bring electricity and clean water to a community that walks several kilometres daily for water. This upcoming project needs support to ensure its success.
Owen stresses the importance of contributions, “Every little bit helps, and seeing the direct impact of donations encourages more support. People realise their contributions are truly making a difference. Every cent donated goes directly into our projects, ensuring maximum impact.”
Michael adds, “Every dollar donated to MEA Power Up provides $5 worth of value because our projects are powered by volunteer efforts and donated resources, ensuring maximum impact with minimal overhead and admin.”
Join the mission
The ongoing success of MEA Power Up’s projects relies heavily on the generosity of donors and the dedication of volunteers. Michael encourages potential supporters, “If you’re thinking about getting involved, know that your skills and passion can make a real difference in someone’s life. We have a place for you at MEA Power Up. There are so many ways you can make a difference to these communities. We seek passionate individuals, especially those interested in renewables, who want to make a real difference in the world and join us in our mission.”
Michael concludes, “The gratitude and joy from the community members make all the hard work worth it. They deeply appreciate every effort made to improve their lives.”
Together, we can continue to empower communities, one project at a time.
To donate to MEA Power Up or to find out more visit: meapowerup.org.au
