Child Fund International has built or rehabilitated 45 preschools during its 20 year presence in Timor-Leste.
Child Fund Timor-Leste national director Geoffrey Ezepuc said the early school years were important to ensuring children’s intellectual and linguistic development.
As well as supplying materials such as books, chairs and tables to existing schools, Child Fund has established 30 early childcare centres in Timor-Leste.
The organization also provides teacher training.
Child Fund has built or provided support to schools in Manatuto, Liquisa, Lospalos, Bobonaro and Covalima districts, with a focus on rural areas.
Ezepuc said the students at the learning centres were creative and were able to make up stories, read and sing.
Child Fund provides formal education to about 3,500 children in Timor-Leste.
National Commissioner for Children’s Rights Maria Barreto, said early years education was important for child development.
“Families, communities and government must direct their attention to children’s growth by respecting their fundamental rights which are outlined in RDTL’s constitution,” he said
The Commission asked for the support of international organizations such as UNICEF, Child Fund and Plan International to promote Timorese children’s participation in education.
