DILi, 29 April 2026 (TATOLI) — The Government of Timor-Leste, with support from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Korea, and in partnership with UNICEF, today handed over a solar-powered energy system and upgraded water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities in the Hera community.
The initiative strengthens climate-smart social services to ensure that children can continue to access health care, education, and safe water despite increasing climate-related challenges.
In Timor-Leste, floods, droughts, and extreme weather are disrupting essential services, affecting children’s well-being and development. The Hera upgrades are part of the KOICA-funded project “Climate Action for the Last Mile: Reaching the Most Vulnerable Children in Timor-Leste” (2024–2027).
The improvements include a solar mini-grid system powering the Hera Health Post, nearby school, and community centre, as well as upgraded water and sanitation facilities designed to withstand climate shocks.
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.
“Climate change is no longer a distant concern—it is a present reality affecting communities worldwide, including here in Timor-Leste. This project demonstrates how climate-smart solutions can directly improve people’s daily lives. By integrating solar energy systems, we ensure a reliable power supply for water and sanitation services, even in the face of climate-related disruptions,” said Youn Hwa Kang, Director of KOICA Timor-Leste.
“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. Reliable electricity supports health services such as vaccine storage, while improved WASH facilities reduce disease risks and create safer learning environments—particularly for girls. Hera will serve as a model for climate-smart social services nationwide,” said UNICEF Timor-Leste Representative.
The Representative also expressed sincere appreciation to the community of Hera for their continued collaboration and leadership in promoting climate resilience and child-centred development.
“Together, we call on all stakeholders to scale up climate-smart, child-focused services across Timor-Leste to protect children’s rights and build resilient communities,” she said.
KOICA, as the Republic of Korea’s official development cooperation agency, is committed to advancing sustainable development and improving the quality of life across partner countries. In Timor-Leste, its support is directed toward health, agriculture, education, climate resilience, and child-centred development, in partnership with the Government and international organizations including UNICEF.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
