Authors: Nea Harrison, Pandanus Evaluation, Maria do Céu Lopes da Silva
This presentation shares the journey by Timor-Aid and members of the Tais Weavers Network to develop an Indigenous evaluation process that supports intergenerational transmission of knowledge across Timor-Leste.
The process of building evaluation skills and planning is beginning in Oé-cusse and will extend to other municipalities, enabling the 1,625 Weavers’ Network members to take charge of evaluating the National Tais Weaving Ecosystem themselves.
Tais is an intricate and beautiful fabric that is deeply embedded in Timorese culture. It is a symbol of identity and heritage and is used in traditional ceremonies and celebrations. Weaving Tais is a sacred process that has been passed down from generation to generation. UNESCO recognised Timor – Leste Tais as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in urgent need of safeguarding in 2021.
This participatory and developmental evaluation work helps preserve this precious tradition. It is supported by an Asia Pacific Evaluation Association (APEA) and EvalIndigenous seeding grant provided to promote culturally responsive, Indigenous-led evaluation practices across the region.
The interactive presentation will share our work so far to:
- build local evaluation knowledge and skills;
- develop locally owned and led, equitable, and inclusive evaluation plans that acknowledge the social, cultural and governance practices of Indigenous Timorese peoples;
- develop Indigenous evaluation data collection and information sharing resources that showcase the evaluation learnings, celebrate and build awareness of the importance Tais to Timor Leste people’s cultural traditions, values and languages;
-coach and mentor young weavers and Timor Aid staff to build their confidence and leadership skills to lead ongoing evaluation activities.
The audience will have the opportunity to explore some of these evaluation strategies. They will engage in an interactive discussion about the importance of inclusive evaluation strategies that build on local knowledge and skills and promote Timor-Leste’s cultural traditions, values, and languages.
