About the GOYA Foundation

The GOYA Foundation Incorporated.

The GOYA Foundation was established in 2004 by Felicity Fraser and supporters. After working with communities in Timor Leste (East Timor) since 1997 and more recently with the Highland women of Papua New Guinea, Felicity decided to establish a Foundation that could grow support for these and other women in positions of leadership in developing countries. The assistance given to these women can effectively influence and hopefully change the lives of many people in each of these countries.

The GOYA Foundation invites all women to become involved in the International community and to "discover that through the assistance of others we are enriching and expanding our own existence".

All monies raised by the Foundation go directly to the projects it supports. Currently these are:

The Little Brothers and Sisters of Christ Institute founded by Sister Lourdes de Cruz.
The Pre-Pimaria Kindergarten in Dili operated by Sister Aurora Pires of the Cannossian order.
The establishment of the Office of Status of Women (Highlands Region) Papua New Guinea, directed by Mrs Jennifer Mondia.
Assist the East Timor Development Agency under the direction of Palmira Pires to provide training for young women, who for various reasons are unable to complete their education, with training so that they can earn a living.
HIAM - Health, a maternal and infant welfare program to fight the appalling rate of infant mortality, deaths of children and malnutrition. Founded by Rosaria de Cruz.

Statement of Purposes.

The purpose and object of the Association is to assist economic, social and cultural development and to provide short-term relief to people in crisis situations, principally in the Melanesian Pacific (including Timor Leste, West Papua and Papua New Guinea) but also world wide. The Association seeks to achieve these goals by:

Assisting the efforts of women in positions of leadership and social responsibility in developing countries.
Supporting the projects and work of women in developing countries by providing them with economic, educational and spiritual aid.
Fostering motivation and creativity in all women.
Assisting all women to achieve equality (in all its forms), security (personal and nutritional) and dignity.
Working in partnership with local organisations in a range of development and relief projects.

(Taken from the GOYA Foundation Rules of Incorporation 2004)