A pilot eco program at Hera Basic School outside Dili has stalled after key infrastructure was destroyed during heavy rainfall in 2015.
The extension program was designed to teach children in Timor-Leste about agricultural practices, horticulture and nutrition.
National Director for school social action at the Ministry of Education, Belchior R.N Barros, confirmed the program had not been running since November 2015 when a protection wall was damaged following floods.
He said the Hera basic school director has submitted their proposal to the ministry to reconstruct the wall, but had not yet received any decision.
He added that the ministry’s priority in 2016 was the construction of schools.
The program was supported by the Thai government following a visit by Thailand’s Crown Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn in 2014.
The Princess donated $1 million to establish the eco program, with the expectation it would later be implemented at other schools.
Meanwhile, NGO HIAM Health director Rosaria Martins da Cruz said it was very important for children to learn about growing plants and the nutritional value of food.
“The program teaches our children to understand the value of food nutrition and how it grows,” she said.
She said that as many Timorese people were farmers, it was important for children to have an understanding about the agricultural practices.
