{"id":13837,"date":"2022-07-26T16:47:32","date_gmt":"2022-07-26T07:47:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/neonmetin.info\/buletin\/?p=13837"},"modified":"2022-07-26T16:47:35","modified_gmt":"2022-07-26T07:47:35","slug":"timor-leste-poverty-and-youth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/neonmetin.info\/buletin\/2022\/07\/26\/timor-leste-poverty-and-youth\/","title":{"rendered":"Timor-Leste, Poverty and Youth?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

By Jacques Luis Alves de Jesus Soares<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.\u201d The US former President Franklin D. Roosevelt<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Poverty is a global problem. Where, the problem of poverty is faced an experienced by almost all countries in the world. Poverty is the main and most basic problem that every day becomes a major concern for the government. As well as the government of Timor-Leste. Since gained its Independence, Timor-Leste still facing varieties of social problems, one of these are poverty itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No doubt that poverty still remain highest in Timor-Leste as Census 2015 stated that 41,8% population of Timor-Leste live below national poverty line.[1]<\/a> In addition, Multidimensional Poverty Index in 2020 pointed out that 41,8% populational of Timor-Leste live below national poverty line. There are several factor that contribute to the poverty in Timor-Leste.  First, unemployment remains highest, as according to Census 2015 said that over 40% population of Timor-Leste as an unemployment, and youth unemployment are 10,48%. It happened owing to as showed by UNDP Timor-Leste research in 2019, report that Unemployment is high, employment opportunities in the formal sector are generally limited, and job creation by the private sector is far from in demand. Most of the population does not have a consistent income, and many make a living as farmers.[2]<\/a> Second, one of the causes that contribute to poverty in Timor-Leste is public services, such as health, education and other public facilities as stated by Mercy Corps in 2019 that education is the main cause of poverty in Timor-Leste has direct impact on job creation.[3]<\/a> The country’s education problems hinder the development of a skilled workforce, which hinders the government’s ability to function effectively. This skills gap is particularly problematic for youth, where insufficient education has led to an unemployment rate of 40%.[4]<\/a> And electricity, population with 28% without electricity connection[5]<\/a> and other public infrastructure, such as roads, and clean water which stated population of 300,000 have no access to clean water no 25% access to no safe drinking water. And sanitation where 40% no sanitation improvement, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This poverty situation affected the most youth of Timor-Leste which is make them lack of opportunities to access as cause them to frustation and stress situation finally push them to the criminal, violence and conflict situation and migrant to overseas to find jobs opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This article will explore more about poverty and youth, and alternative ways? to Timor-Leste to tackle this social problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Poverty and Youth<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Undoubtedly that Youth is one of the most affected by poverty. Globally, poverty affects as many as 169 million youth in the world. The number increases to 286 million if the near poor are included (living below US$4 per day). In 2013, more than one-third (37.8 per cent) of employed youth aged 15\u201224 in developing regions were poor, with 17.7% of them living in extreme poverty at less than US$1.25 per day.[6]<\/strong><\/a> Thus, this data also included youth Timor-Leste as well.  As La\u2019o Hamutuk in 2012 said that after the war ended in 1999, Timor-Leste had the highest birth rate in the world. \u2026, it now has twice as many children under 10 years old as youth between 20 and 30. Today the country doesn\u2019t have jobs for the 15,000 young people who enter the work force every year; by 2024 that number will be 30,000.[7]<\/a> As we know that Timor-Leste is one of the youngest nations and populations in the world. As stated by the Timor-Leste\u2019s 4th<\/sup> National Human Development Report in 2018 that Timor-Leste has one of the youngest populations in the Asia and Pacific region, with a median age of 17.4 years. This makes Timor-Leste the 15th youngest in the world, behind only Afghanistan and a group of African nations. The population below age 35 accounts for 74 percent of the total population. The current demographic situation has the potential to play an extremely important role in shaping the country\u2019s development in the near future.[8]<\/a> Thus, the government must formulate good public policy in order to eradicate poverty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The alternative ways?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What can be done to eradicate poverty more widely? Most World Development Reports have articulated strategies based on the human capital, (youth) empowerment, economic diversification (invest on productive sector), blue economy and so on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Human Capital<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Youth is an important stage of life for building the human capital that allows young people to escape poverty and lead better and more fulfilling lives. The human capital formed in youth\u2014whether in skill levels, or health, or civic and societal engagement\u2014is also an important determinant of long-term growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Building human capacity early is important not just for the future opportunities open to young people but also to mitigate the intergenerational transmission of poverty. More educated youth are more willing to control family size and invest in the health and well-being of their offspring. The impacts are particularly strong for women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why is investing to Human Capital Important for Timor-Leste?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Based on the World Bank 2022 on Timor-Leste Economic Report state that Timor-Leste is facing a human capital crisis. Human capital (HC)\u2014the knowledge, skills, and health that people accumulate over their lives, enabling each individual to more fully realize his or her potential\u2014is not only an intrinsic value, it is also a central driver of sustainable growth and poverty reduction. Measured by the HCI, a child born in Timor-Leste today will only be 45 percent as productive as an adult as she could be if she enjoyed complete education and full health. This is lower than the global average (56%) the average for the East Asia & Pacific region (59%), and the average for its peer income countries in the region (50%).  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the World Bank 2022 on Timor-Leste Economic Report state that there are several reasons to Timor-Leste to invest in its Human Capital, as follows;<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Timor-Leste\u2019s demographic profile offers an opportunity that must be seized now – by building an enabling environment for human capital accumulation and ample labor market opportunities for its current largest cohort of students and children before they reach the labor market by 2040.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The country\u2019s population is primarily young, with a median age of 20.8 with 37 percent of the population under the age of 15[9]<\/a>. With the continued growth of its young population, the country\u2019s demographic profile is projected to give rise to an increasing dependency ratio by 2050, eventually resulting in almost one nonworker for every worker by 2100 (See Figure 3.2). Without an adequately healthy, educated, and productive population, this transition may give rise to socially and economically destabilizing conditions. Taking advantage of this window of opportunity now to ensure high levels of human capital and ample labor market opportunities for the existing cohort of students and young children through education and health is crucial \u2013 not only to maximize the use of the remaining Petroleum Fund, but also to capitalize on the youth bulge and translate it into a demographic dividend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A sharper focus on human capital investment is essential for Timor-Leste\u2019s sustained long-term growth.[10]<\/strong><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Human capital investments not only contribute to economic growth, but also effectively contributes to poverty reduction goals. Increased human capital investments typically disproportionately accrue to the poor by addressing initial service deficiencies and gaps, reducing inequalities. There is also a spillover effect, particularly of education (broadly including expanded information\/knowledge), expressed for example in lower fertility rates coupled with lower child mortality rates. Cross-country analysis also suggests that a dollar of public spending on human capital may be more effective than a dollar of public spending on physical capital to achieve a given set of income and poverty goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Investing in human capital also enhances social cohesion and equity, while strengthening people\u2019s trust in institutions\u2014an important factor in mitigating fragility as the country contends with the legacies of past conflict.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is particularly important for Timor-Leste, as the relatively new country initially relied on external organizations to support human development and the provision of social sector services, and where today many stakeholders, policies, and regulatory frameworks that interact in this space are fragmented and uncoordinated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is the right time for Timor-Leste have to focus more on this stage than ever before after its 20 years of independence through shifting its policy to investment on human capital development, specially in youth. In order to poverty reduction and growth, changing circumstances. Without an adequately healthy, educated, and productive population, Timor-Leste\u2019s demographic transition may give rise to socially and economically destabilizing conditions. To take advantage of this crucial opportunity to capitalize on the youth bulge and translate it into a demographic dividend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Youth Empowerment<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Youth empowerment can be defined as a process where people gain the ability and authority to make informed decisions and implement change in their own lives and the lives of other people. It is a means of encouraging youths to do great things for themselves and also to make great impact in their society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As youth, you are at the center of absolute strength. You think big, hope for the best and envision a better tomorrow, therefore making continuous efforts to turn your dreams into reality. As we see our reality today, most of youth migrating to overseas and will be residing in foreign countries where job opportunities are easier to come by. To tackle this situation, government have to empower youth. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are the Importance of Youth Empowerment?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below are a few reasons why youth empowerment is important by some studies, as such:<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Poverty Eradication<\/strong>: Youth empowerment can curb the rate of poverty to a large level. One of the keys to empowering the youth is with skill development. When a youth is equipped with essential skills, he or she can utilize them to feed, assist others, and even invest for future use, aiding the nation economically. This will in-turn contribute to the increase in employability and add to the GDP of the nation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Improved Standard of Education<\/strong>: Empowerment can help youth to understand the importance of education that leads to social improvement of the country. The empowered youth can donate educational facilities to primary, secondary and even to tertiary institutions. Empowering the youth academically accelerates the spirit of patriotism in the education sector. The empowered youth know the importance of education. This is why many individuals issue scholarships to the students because they understand the value of education due to the empowerment, which was given to them academically. Education exposes people to know what they did not know before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Good Governance<\/strong>: When the youth are empowered, they empower the masses, thereby paving path for a better future. To build a better tomorrow, we need to nurture the youth of today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Crime reduction and National Security<\/strong>: Empowerment ensures that youth has the necessary skill to sustain a livelihood, preventing him to adopt the path of crime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Employment Creation<\/strong>: This is another importance of youth empowerment. The youth empowered society will not seriously suffer from the problem of unemployment that many nations are battling with in the current time. A skillful youth is a job creator.[11]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

To anticipate the curse of demographic transition that may give rise to socially and economically destabilizing conditions, government must formulate adequate public policy on youth, through human capital and youth empowerment to tackle transgenerational transmission of poverty.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In conclusion, the government must take serious attention to eradicate the poverty (unemployment) in Timor-Leste that affected most the youth by reformulating, reviewing, revising and shifting its policy on Youth by investing on Human Capital and Youth Empowerment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

References:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Accessed in this website https:\/\/www.laohamutuk.org\/econ\/SRPoverty\/12SREP.htm<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Based on population estimates and projections by the United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division in 2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dire\u00e7\u00e3o Geral Estatistica (2014). Timor-Leste survey of household. Ministerio Finan\u00e7as. Dili, Timor-Leste<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ILO (2015). Global Employment Trends for Youth 2015 Scaling up investments in decent jobs for youth, p.47<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lanre olusala (2019). Importance of youth emporment in 21st<\/sup> Century. The Guardian. Accessed in this website https:\/\/guardian.ng\/features\/importance-of-youth-empowerment-in-21st-century\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mercy Corps (2019). Timor-Leste. Dili, Timor-Leste. Accessed on website www.mercycorps.org\/countries\/timor-leste<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Borgen Project (2017). Understanding the main causes of poverty in Timor-Leste. Diakses di website www.borgenproject.org\/causes-of-poverty-in-timor-leste\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The World Bank\u2019s Long-Term-Growth Model demonstrates that the impact on growth of public capital investments declines over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

UNDP Timor-Leste (2018) Timor-Leste\u2019s 4th<\/sup> National Human Development Report. Dili, Timor-Leste<\/p>\n\n\n\n

UNDP Timor-Leste (2019). Economic Empowerment. Dili, Timor-Leste. Accessed on website www.tl.undp.org\/content\/timor_leste\/en\/home\/poverty.html<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

[1]<\/a> Dire\u00e7\u00e3o Geral Estatistica (2014). Timor-Leste survey of household. Ministerio Finan\u00e7as. Dili, Timor-Leste<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[2]<\/a> UNDP Timor-Leste (2019). Economic Empowerment. Dili, Timor-Leste. Accessed on website www.tl.undp.org\/content\/timor_leste\/en\/home\/poverty.html<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[3]<\/a>Mercy Corps (2019). Timor-Leste. Dili, Timor-Leste. Accessed on website www.mercycorps.org\/countries\/timor-leste<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[4]<\/a>  The Borgen Project (2017). Understanding the main causes of poverty in Timor-Leste. Diakses di website www.borgenproject.org\/causes-of-poverty-in-timor-leste\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[5]<\/a> Ibid<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[6]<\/a> ILO (2015). Global Employment Trends for Youth 2015 Scaling up investments in decent jobs for youth, p.47<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[7]<\/a> Accessed in this website https:\/\/www.laohamutuk.org\/econ\/SRPoverty\/12SREP.htm<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[8]<\/a> UNDP Timor-Leste (2018) Timor-Leste\u2019s 4th<\/sup> National Human Development Report. Dili, Timor-Leste<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[9]<\/a> Based on population estimates and projections by the United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division in 2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[10]<\/a> The World Bank\u2019s Long-Term-Growth Model demonstrates that the impact on growth of public capital investments declines over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[11]<\/a>Lanre olusala (2019). Importance of youth emporment in 21st<\/sup> Century. The Guardian. Accessed in this website https:\/\/guardian.ng\/features\/importance-of-youth-empowerment-in-21st-century\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

*(Jacques Luis Alves de Jesus Soares, Student of Master of Political Science at University of Diponegoro (UNDIP)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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