Action for Change Foundation (ACF) is a national Timorese development organisation based in Dili, Timor-Leste. ACF was founded in 2010 by a group of youths who wanted to provide opportunities for the people in their communities whose lives had been unsettled by conflict, trauma or disrupted education.
Since its inception ACF has helped over 5000 vulnerable people, particularly youths, children and women. Its focus has been on skills development for young adults, empowerment of women and fostering healthy communities. ACF has experience in implementing projects in eight of Timor-Leste’s municipalities.
ACF’s work has been supported by international donors, the Timorese government, and even been featured on Australian television. It is run by a small group of dedicated Timorese who are passionate about making a big difference in their communities.
Our Board
Jose Do R. De Carvalho
President
Jose is the National Director of the Secretary of State for Gender Equality. He has a Master of Political Science and a Bachelor of Financial Management, along with 12 years of experience in capacity building and transformative leadership for women and communities in Timor-Leste. He has been with ACF since 2022.
Sarah Francis
Vice-President
Sarah is a communications specialist with 17 years of experience focussing on helping vulnerable young people to thrive. She has a Master of International Development and a Bachelor of Arts. She spent five years in Timor-Leste promoting youth training and employment opportunities including volunteering for one year at ACF in 2012.
Adelaide Aurora De C. Babo
Secretary
Adelaide has a Bachelor of Midwifery and works as a midwife at Railaco Clinic Centre. She has been a hardworking and committed volunteer at ACF since 2023. Adelaide is particularly interested in gender equality, and supporting women in positions of leadership. She is proud to be a role model for young women by serving on ACF’s Board.
Our Staff
Veronica De Sousa
Executive Director
Vero was one of the founding members of ACF. She has a Bachelor of Financial Management and 12 years of experience in finance, youth capacity building and facilitating public management and gender training.
Marquito Da Silva
Program Coordinator
Marquito has an advanced Degree in Public Policy. He has four years of experience, including as a volunteer for ACF. He is happy to be working for ACF as he wants to work for the betterment of vulnerable people in his community.
Idalia Cipriana Ferreira
Finance Coordinator
Idalia has five years of experience in finance and management. She was originally a student at ACF’s training centre, before undergoing on-the-job training at ACF and then volunteering her time to help run the centre.
ACF is a proud member of:
- The National NGO Forum (FONGTIL);
- The Timor-Leste Education Network’s Civil Society Education Partnership (Rede Edukasaun CSEP);
- Women Ready for Leadership (Feto Prontu Lidera); and
- The Asia South Pacific Association for Basic and Adult Education (ASPBAE).
ACF is a legally registered charity with the Timorese Ministry of Justice.
Action for Change Foundation 