With 70% of its population under the age of 30, Timor-Leste is one of the youngest countries in the world. However, many youth lack the opportunities, voice, and power to contribute to their country’s sustainable development. The Local Works program in Timor-Leste will identify the priorities of the country’s youth population and support youth in leading productive lives where their voices are heard. 

USAID/Timor-Leste is mapping youth stakeholders, and also has found creative ways to continue a listening tour across all 13 municipalities of the country. “Listening” is a locally led development methodology in which development practitioners and local actors engage in intentional and open-ended conversation around a topic. It creates the space for mutual learning, trust building, and identification of local priorities.