A safe and vibrant space for the young people of Suai — rooted in justice, diversity and inclusion.
Our Story
Born from community spirit
Centro Juventude Covalima (CJC) was founded to create a safe and vibrant space for young people in Suai, Timor-Leste.
Born from community spirit and solidarity, CJC is a hub where youth can learn, share and lead initiatives that strengthen local identity and build sustainable futures.
Founded byErgilio Ferreira Vicente
Our motto
“Hari'i kapasidade: Hamoris ideias no Iniciativa, Haburas kreativa, hodi hametin unidade iha transformasaun social ba dezenvolvimentu.”
Building capacity: bringing ideas and initiatives to life, nurturing creativity, and strengthening unity in social transformation for development.
Suai • Covalima
Youth HubCentro Juventude Covalima
Our Vision
A generation of empowered youth who honor their heritage while shaping solutions for today's challenges.
CJC stands for justice, diversity and inclusion, ensuring that every voice — especially those of Indigenous and marginalized communities — is heard and respected.
Core Values
Integrity
Acting honestly, transparently, and responsibly.
Inclusiveness
Respecting diversity and ensuring equal opportunities for all youth.
Participation
Encouraging meaningful youth engagement and leadership.
Innovation
Promoting creativity and solutions to community challenges.
Solidarity
Working together for the common good.
Sustainability
Supporting long-term social, economic, and environmental development.
Our Mission
Six commitments
01
Education & Skills
To empower youth through education, leadership development, and skills training.
02
Active Participation
To promote active youth participation in community development, decision-making, and civic engagement.
03
Jobs & Enterprise
To support entrepreneurship, employment opportunities, and sustainable livelihoods for young people.
04
Rights & Equality
To strengthen social cohesion, gender equality, human rights, and environmental stewardship.
05
Culture & Indigenous Knowledge
To preserve and promote local culture, indigenous knowledge, and positive community values.
06
Partnerships
To build partnerships with government, civil society, private sector, and international organizations to advance youth development.
Legal Status
Registered non-profit organization
CJC is registered as a non-profit organization (registration No. 546/DNRN-MJ/VII/2016) that works for social benefit, focusing on youth and community well-being.
Constitution & By-laws
CJC ConstitutionAvailable on request
By-lawsAvailable on request
Our Team
Powered by the people
CJC is led by passionate youth advocates, community organizers and volunteers who believe in grassroots change. Together, we collaborate with schools, NGOs and regional networks to bring opportunities and resources to Covalima's young people.
Youth Advocates
Young leaders who speak up for their communities, locally and regionally.
Community Organizers
The people who bring villages, elders and schools together around shared goals.
Volunteers
The energy behind every festival, workshop and campaign.
Board 2024–2028
GA
Germana Amaral Pereira
Chief of Board
CL
Calistro Leite Gusmao
Vice Chief
CD
Cecilia de Jesus Amaral
Secretary
EF
Ergilio Ferreira Vicente
Member
JC
Juliao Cardoso
Member
EA
Eugenio Antonio Rita S. de Sousa
Member
Executive 2022–2026
JF
Julio Ferreira
Executive Director
CD
Charles Dao Jawa
Program Manager
EM
Evalisa Mendonca
Admin & Finance
AA
Adelito Amaral
Staff
AG
Armando Gomes
Staff
ES
Erminia Soares
Staff
GF
Gaspar Ferreira Vicente
Staff
MN
Mateus Nico Mendonca
Staff
ID
Imercio da Costa
Staff
JP
Jacinto Pereira
Staff
FL
Fidelia L. Cardoso
Staff
JR
Joaquina R. Amaral
Staff
…and the volunteers who make every activity possible.
