DILI, 26 november 2024 (TATOLI) – UNICEF, with support from the Government of China, today handed over teaching and learning materials worth $364,000 to the Ministry of Education, to support the recovery of schools which were affected by the floods of 2021.
The handover took place at EBC Sérgio Vieira de Mello in Dili, was attended by H.E Minister Dulce de Jesus Soares, Minister of Education, H.E. Ms. Wang Wenli, Chinese Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Ms, Patrizia DiGiovanni, UNICEF Representative, senior officials from the Ministry of Education and school children.
The materials, which include 2,000 student chairs, 204 teachers’ chairs and tables, 204 book shelfs and an assortment of stationery, will be further handed over to 34 schools from Bobonaro, Covalima, Dili, and Manufahi.
“The Ministry of Education appreciates this support from the Government of China and UNICEF, which is helping the education sector to rebuild and to be strengthened against harsh environmental events such as flooding,” said Minister Dulce de Jesus Soares, Minister of Education.
This support of teaching and learning materials, is part of the Government of China’s “Emergency support to children in response to floods and COVID-19 in Timor-Leste” programme, which is providing quality nutrition, education and water and sanitation services to support 146,000 people affected by the floods.
“We hope this batch of materials can help improve learning conditions for the children of Timor-Leste, support them in realizing their dreams, and encourage them to become pillars of the nation’s development,” said Wang Wenli, Chinese Ambassador to Timor-Leste.
She said that China and Timor-Leste are traditionally friendly nations: “We hope this batch of materials can help improve learning conditions for the children of Timor-Leste, support them in realizing their dreams, and encourage them to become pillars of the nation’s development.”
UNICEF Representative, Patrizia DiGiovanni said that UNICEF recognises and appreciates Government’s leadership to respond to the floods and other emergencies which disrupt learning and other critical areas of children’s survival and development.
“Recovery from these traumatic natural events takes time and requires ongoing collaborative efforts. We are therefore happy with this collaboration with the Government of China, which is helping to restock the critical supplies which were lost in the floods and strengthening and empowering schools to better withstand any future natural disasters,” she said.
This current support from the Government of China, complements UNICEF’s support to the Government of Timor-Leste to ensure the minimise the impact of the flooding on children’s learning continuity. In addition, communities affected by floods are also getting support with access to quality nutrition and water, sanitation, and hygiene services.
In april 2021, flash floods across Timor-Leste caused extensive damage to public infrastructure, including 34 schools and teachers’ training centres. Damage to the school buildings, coupled with the washing away of school materials and furniture, disrupted learning across the affected schools.
Despite the ongoing efforts on the part of the Government and partners, affected communities continue to need recovery assistance, and require support to build their resilience for the likelihood of similar natural disasters in the future.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
