By Antonio Gomes
My journey with UNICEF began long before I officially became a staff member. In 1992, I started as a volunteer with UNICEF while Timor-Leste was still the 27th Province of Indonesia, working at the Secretariat of the Planning and Development Board Office in Dili. At that time, I could not have imagined that this first step would lead to a remarkable 25-year career dedicated to advancing the rights and wellbeing of children in Timor-Leste.
Between 1997 and 1999, I worked as a consultant with UNICEF during one of the most difficult periods in our nation’s history. One of my most unforgettable experiences was during the polio vaccination campaign known as “One Day of Tranquility.” During conflict, I had the unique responsibility of negotiating with representatives from both FALINTIL and pro-Indonesian militias to secure one peaceful day so mothers could safely bring their children for vaccination. That moment taught me the true meaning of humanitarian work: even in conflict, children must always come first.
Following the 1999 Popular Consultation and the people’s overwhelming vote for independence, violence erupted across Timor-Leste. UNICEF’s field office in Dili was burned down, and my own family—together with my wife and our two young children, aged six and three, was forced to flee to Kupang as refugees for one month. Like thousands of Timorese families, we experienced displacement and uncertainty firsthand.
When we returned to Dili in October 1999, our home had been burned. With the support of relatives and neighbors, we cleaned the ruins so we could live there temporarily. Soon after, I returned to UNICEF and joined the “Back to School Campaign,” helping bring teachers and students back to classrooms. I still remember UNICEF teams placing temporary roofs on burned school buildings so teachers could restart lessons under the shade. It was a powerful symbol of hope and resilience, education beginning again amidst destruction.
When Timor-Leste restored its independence on Restoration of Independence of Timor-Leste, a new chapter began for our nation—and for me. In August 2002, I officially became an Assistant Communication Officer with UNICEF Timor-Leste. It was a proud moment to contribute to rebuilding our country while strengthening systems for children in health, education, and protection.
However, our young nation faced another major challenge during the 2006 crisis. Once again, my family and I became internally displaced, spending one week in the UN compound at the UNICEF office for safety. More than 5,000 people were displaced during that time, and UNICEF once again stood at the forefront—supporting children and families in camps and helping communities recover. Those experiences reinforced my belief that UNICEF’s work goes beyond programmes; it is about standing beside people during their hardest moments.
Among the many memorable moments in my career was the 2008 visit of Jackie Chan, who came as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador to promote peace, respect, and unity among young people and martial arts groups across Timor-Leste. It was inspiring to witness global solidarity focused on our children and youth.
Looking back on these 25 years, I realize that my journey with UNICEF has mirrored the journey of Timor-Leste itself—from conflict to peace, from fragility to resilience, from uncertainty to hope. I have grown professionally and personally alongside this nation, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve the children of Timor-Leste.
To my colleagues, partners, communities, and especially the children and families we serve—thank you for trusting me, teaching me, and inspiring me every day. UNICEF has not just been my workplace; it has been my second home, my school of humanity, and my lifelong mission.
As I reflect on this journey, I leave with immense pride, gratitude, and hope—knowing that the work continues, and that every effort we make today helps build a better tomorrow for every child in Timor-Leste.
TATOLI
