Another hard part of my job....

...is when we 'phase out' or close our programs - we generally do this when the community has reached a certain level of development and the government is in a position to fulfill the rights of children....or when we determine that there are other areas that need more support, etc...but in all cases, it is a difficult decision to make, since Plan staff become very close to community members so it is a rather sad time for everyone involved....

In late June we phased out of several areas in Dili where IDPs (internally displaced people) had transitioned back to over the past 1-2 years....here are some pics from the formal handover meetings we had in the communities...

....the children wanted to know who will come and play with them now....



... and the village chief's wife complained that the government still does not take all of their concerns seriously....



....but in the end, the chief (in red shirt) and youth chief (on the far right) confirmed that they will continue the activities that Plan started in the community - and we will continue to work with the community on a more informal basis, to share communications with them from the government, etc....

Although a sad day, we did manage to gather around for a big group picture before saying goodbye...