Thanks to your generosity, communities in Timor-Leste continue to access vital healthcare services through the dedication of local staff like Nivia.
Nivia, 26, works at Railaco Clinic, supported by our project partner, Jesuit Social Service (JSS) Timor-Leste, where she serves patients with compassion and determination despite the many challenges of working in a remote community. Her journey began with a childhood dream of working in healthcare.
After graduating from NOSSEF in 2014, Nivia hoped to continue studying medicine and become a nurse for her community.
“I have always wanted to be a nurse for the people of Railaco.”
Nivia
“I have always wanted to be a nurse for the people of Railaco,” she says.
However, after the passing of her father, her family could no longer afford further healthcare studies. Instead, Nivia travelled to Dili to study English before returning home in 2015, where she joined Railaco Clinic as a pharmacist.
Finding her purpose
Although financial barriers prevented her from pursuing nursing at the time, she found purpose in caring for others through her work at the clinic.
Every morning, rain or shine, Nivia travels by scooter across a river to reach the clinic. During the rainy season, rising water levels can make the journey home dangerous, sometimes forcing her to stay overnight with relatives so she can continue her work the next day.
At the heart of Nivia’s dedication is her patience and care for patients, especially the sick, elderly and children living in remote areas.
“Patience is key in addressing the diverse needs of clinic visitors, offering comfort and healing for the sick, elderly and children in remote areas,” she explains.
Nivia also speaks proudly about the clinic’s mobile health program, which provides health check ups, medicine and health awareness to isolated communities often overlooked by government services.
“The Railaco Clinic is not just a place of healing, but a beacon of hope that continues to bring joy and relief to the people of Railaco,” Nivia says.
Thanks to the compassion of our supporters, healthcare programs supported by JSS Timor-Leste provided medical care, mobile outreach and health education to more than 6,000 people across remote communities in 2025.
