On October 10^th, 2024, the Vice Minister of Social Solidarity and Inclusion, Céu Brites, chaired the opening of the Awareness Seminar on Decentralisation of National Rehabilitation Centre (CNR) Services, under the theme: ‘Broadening Information on CNR Service Provision to Improve the Quality of Life of People with Disabilities’. The event, held at the Baucau Convention Centre, was attended by representatives of local authorities, sector lines and community members to share information about the services offered by the CNR and discuss solutions to reduce the difficulties faced by people with disabilities at the local level. 

At the opening of the seminar, the Vice Minister highlighted the importance of decentralising the services of the National Rehabilitation Centre, allowing communities, especially in areas far from the capital, to have access to rehabilitation and support services, preventing citizens from having to travel to Dili. She announced the plan to create a Rehabilitation Centre in the Municipality of Baucau, pointing out that, according to the 2022 census, the municipality of Baucau is one of the areas in the country with the greatest need for support services for people with disabilities. For this reason, creating a Rehabilitation Centre in Baucau is essential to bring services closer to communities and respond to local needs. During the event, mobility equipment was also handed out to CNR users. 

Rui Sertoriu Magno Sequeira, Head of Village (Suco) Samalari of the Baucau Vila Administrative Post, emphasised the importance of this seminar for local authorities, saying that the initiative provided information on CNR services, which will be passed on to Hamlets (Aldeia) Chiefs and families of people with disabilities. This sharing of information will facilitate data collection on local needs and access to the services and support provided by the Government.

 With this seminar and the announcement of the creation of a Rehabilitation Centre in Baucau Municipality, the Government, through the Ministry of Social Solidarity and Inclusion, is reaffirming its commitment to ensuring that the most vulnerable citizens are provided with the care and support they need for a more dignified and inclusive life.