DILI, 23 October 2025 (TATOLI) – The Government of Timor-Leste, the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), and UNICEF jointly held a groundbreaking ceremony in Hera, marking the start of construction of integrated climate-smart infrastructure that will expand access to clean water, safe sanitation, and renewable energy in targeted schools, health facilities, and community centres.
The event brought together representatives from the Government of Timor-Leste, KOICA, UNICEF, municipal authorities, and the community of Hera to celebrate a major milestone under the KOICA-funded USD 6.2 million programme “Climate Action for the Last Mile: Reaching the Most Vulnerable Children in Timor-Leste (2024-2027)
The Hera groundbreaking marks the official launch of on-site construction activities to install solar energy systems and upgrade climate-resilient WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) facilities. In 2025, two mini-grid solar systems will be installed in Hera and Atauro respectively, linking at least two public schools, two healthcare facilities, and two community centres in each location. In addition, WASH facilities in the school in Hera and the Community Health Centre in Vila, Atauro will be upgraded.
Youn Hwa kang, Director of KOICA Timor-Leste Office said: “KOICA Timor-Leste office places children at the heart of its development cooperation, ensuring every child has access to clean water, education, and a safe environment to grow and thrive. By introducing solar systems, we can ensure reliable power for water and sanitation facilities, even during unstable conditions caused by climate challenges. Simultaneously, the upgraded WASH systems will significantly improve water storage, pumping, and sanitation coverage.”
“For KOICA, this project is a true reflection of our core commitment — empowering communities, strengthening resilience, and investing in the next generation. It creates lasting change that protects children today while building a stronger, more sustainable future for all,” he said.
Children in Timor-Leste are disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change, especially when essential services are limited due to frequent droughts, floods, and landslides. These climate-related disruptions also heighten child protection risks, exposing children to displacement, neglect and other forms of violence as families and communities struggle to cope with environmental and economic stress.
In response, this initiative aims to ensure that essential services — such as education, healthcare, and community engagement — remain operational even during climate shocks and disasters, while advancing renewable energy use, water security, and environmental sustainability.
Hera serves as the first pilot site under the KOICA-UNICEF partnership, designed as a demonstration model for integrated climate-smart social services that will later expand to Atauro and other municipalities, including Lautém and Viqueque. The model promotes synergy between sectors and local ownership to ensure long-term sustainability.
“Today’s ceremony is not only the start of construction but the beginning of a collective effort to build a more resilient and sustainable future for children and families in Timor-Leste,” said UNICEF Representative, Patrizia DiGiovanni.
“Through KOICA’s generous support under the leadership of the Government of Timor Leste, we are integrating solar power and WASH improvements in schools, health posts, and community centres — ensuring that essential services remain reliable, inclusive, and sustainable even during climate emergencies. Hera will serve as a model for climate-smart social services nationwide.”
The Representative also expressed sincere appreciation to the Government of Timor-Leste, Government of Republic of Korea, KOICA, and the community of Hera for their continued collaboration and leadership in promoting climate resilience and child-centred development.
The “Climate Action for the Last Mile” programme, funded by KOICA and implemented by UNICEF in partnership with the Government of Timor-Leste, focuses on strengthening community resilience and protecting children from the impacts of climate change. Over the next several years, the programme will support climate-smart social services across the sectors of education, health, nutrition, child protection, social policy, and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH).
This collaboration reflects the shared commitment of the Government of Timor-Leste, KOICA, UNICEF, and the Government of Timor-Leste to achieve sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient social services, in alignment with the country’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP), Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
