DILI, 05 december 2024 (TATOLI) – The HATUTAN Education and Nutrition Program, in collaboration with national authorities and local communities, is pleased to announce the official launch of its food delivery program, aimed at supporting the health and nutrition of schoolchildren in target municipalities. On december 5, 2024, HATUTAN will begin distributing food supplies to 363 schools in the municipalities of Ainaro, Ermera, and Special Administrative Region of Oe-Cusse Ambeno, benefiting more than 70,359 students.
This milestone marks a significant step forward in HATUTAN’s ongoing efforts to improve access to nutrition for children in some of the most remote regions of Timor-Leste. The program follows a recent visit by the U.S Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Donna Ann Welton, who recently toured the CARE warehouse in Dili. During her visit, Ambassador Welton had the opportunity to review the stock of food commodities prepared for the school feeding program, underscoring the crucial role of international partnerships in ensuring that children in remote areas have access to essential nutrition.
The early delivery of food supplies is particularly important to ensure that school meals begin on the very first day of the new school year, as outlined in the Government Decree Law No. 61/2022. This timely intervention will help ensure that students in these municipalities are provided with nutritious meals starting from the first term of school (January through March). The food deliveries are part of HATUTAN’s broader commitment to improve both the nutritional status and educational outcomes of students. By providing daily meals, the program helps reduce food insecurity, enhance school attendance, and improve overall student performance.
HATUTAN will deliver 569 MT of food commodities to the target municipalities, including 269 MT of fortified rice, 181 MT of pinto beans, 70 MT of refined vegetable oil sourced from the United States, and 49 MT of locally procured peanuts. This delivery, which spans the period from December 2024 through January 2025, ensures that schools will have the necessary resources for school feeding programs, particularly during the early months of the school year when funding for locally purchased food is often unavailable.
Since its inception, the HATUTAN program has made notable strides in improving educational outcomes and community well-being. From 2019, the program has supported 445 schools, delivering over 4,526 MT of food commodities and benefiting nearly 90,000 students. Key accomplishments include:
- Distribution of more than 4,526 MT of food (fortified rice, pinto beans, and vegetable oil) since 2019
- Provision of school meals for nearly 90,000 students
- Enhancing the skills and capacities of more than 1,300 school personnel in food storage, cooking hygiene, and daily reporting of school feeding management
- Assisting Municipal Authorities in the reactivation and training of the School Feeding Program Management Team in 363 schools, fostering greater community involvement in school improvements
“We are excited to officially begin the distribution of food to schools in Ainaro, Ermera, and the Special Administrative Region of Oe-Cusse Ambeno,” said Peter Goodfellow, Country Director of CARE in Timor-Leste. “This initiative is a critical step in improving both the immediate well-being and future prospects of thousands of schoolchildren across Timor-Leste. It is an essential part of our ongoing commitment to supporting children’s health, education, and nutrition.”
The food deliveries will continue throughout the school year to ensure consistent support for students. Through ongoing collaboration with local communities and authorities, HATUTAN aims to make a lasting impact on the health, education, and future opportunities of children across Timor-Leste.
TATOLI
