What does Timpir mean?

Timpir tree In 2007, the members of Panhom unanimously voted to change the name of Panhom to "Timpir — Australians supporting health, education and development in South Sudan". There were two main reasons for this change of name. The name Panhom does not mean what we initially thought it to mean, so when we went to Sudan in 2007, the locals did not understand the meaning as we intended it. The new name Timpir is made of two Dinka words: tim (tree) & pir (bud). Therefore, 'Timpir' is a 'budding tree'. The words tim (tree) & pir (bud) and their meanings are universal among the Dinka people of South Sudan. Thus, Timpir was deemed more appropriate for an organisation serving the people of a recovering war-torn country. Additionally, Timpir is in the process of applying to be a tax deductible gift recipient with the Australian Tax Office, and one of the requirements of this process is that the name of the organisation must contain the word Australia.

Timpir is a Dinka word which means the growing shoot of a tree or plant. The name Timpir was chosen for several reasons:

  • many important events take place under trees in South Sudan including court hearings, wedding negotiations and traditional education
  • the idea of a newly shooting tree was important as it symbolizes the new growth and development in South Sudan following the end of the civil war in 2005
  • through the provision of education to children in South Sudan, we are planting a seed of knowledge which will develop over time.

Who are we?

Girls in need of educationTimpir was formed in 2004, under the name Panhom, to address the following issues.

  • The destruction of social structure that has occurred in South Sudan since the civil war broke out in 1983;
  • The need for education, especially in the south of the country where more than 70% of the population is illiterate;
  • The provision of education, for all, through involvement of local and international communities;
  • To alleviate the suffering and chronic underdevelopment in South Sudan.

The people of South Sudan must have access to education regardless of sex, creed, tribe or political affiliation. They have a right to basic education, health care and human rights.

Timpir will work with the people of South Sudan and the global community to provide education and support to develop acceptable standards of education, social justice and equity for the people of South Sudan.