The Government of China and UNICEF distribute teaching and learning materials to schools impacted by 2021 floods

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This article was first published on the UNICEF Timor-Leste website.
DILI, 26 November 2024 – The Ministry of Education in Timor-Leste today received teaching and learning materials worth US$364,000 from the Government of China through UNICEF, to support the recovery of schools affected by the floods of 2021.
The materials, which include 2,000 students’ chairs, 204 teachers’ chairs and tables, 204 bookshelves, and assorted stationery will be distributed to 34 schools in 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. These teaching and learning materials support current strategies of the Ministry to always provide inclusive quality education for all children,” said H.E Minister Dulce de Jesus Soares, Minister of Education.
In April 2021, flash floods across Timor-Leste caused extensive damage to public infrastructure, including 34 schools and teacher training centres. Damage to the school buildings and the washing away of school materials and furniture disrupted learningin the affected schools.
The provision 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.
“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,” said H.E.Ms. Wang Wenli, Chinese Ambassador to Timor-Leste.
“UNICEF recognizes and appreciates the 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,” said Patrizia DiGiovanni, UNICEF Representative to Timor-Leste.
This support from the Government of China complements UNICEF’s work with the Government of Timor-Leste to minimize the impacts of the flooding on children’s learning. Communities affected by the floods are also receiving support in the form of quality nutrition and water, sanitation, and hygiene services.
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