“I love the natural sciences because I like learning about animals, plants and the environment. Before, we only had one textbook with pictures in it, but with the tablet, we can watch videos,” says Etelvina, a 12-year-old pupil at the EBC in Darulete. Her school benefits from an education programme set up by UNICEF, which allowed 172 educators from Ainaro, Ermera and Liquiçá to attend a course in information and communications technology (ICT) to boost their digital skills and empower them to introduce digital tools to their classrooms. 

The programme also gradually built up the students’ use of digital tools. Outside classrooms, the National Directorate of Basic Education (DNEB) and National Directorate for Information Systems and Technologies (DNSIT) within Timor-Leste’s Ministry of Education organised practical workshops where children learned to use a tablet and were introduced to the Eskola ba Uma platform for schools.  

Marcelino, an EBC teacher and the school’s IT support manager explains that “This technology helps teachers with preparing their lessons. And it’s important to introduce children to ICT at the earliest possible age so they can develop their confidence in using digital tools.” 

In total, 10 schools and 2,239 students across the country have received support under this programme (figures correct as of 31/05/2026). 

The project is financed by VINCI Energies under a partnership with UNICEF launched in 2022 to provide quality education in Benin, Brazil and Timor‑Leste. By adding digital to traditional teaching methods and giving teachers the necessary skills and resources, these projects are opening up new learning prospects for schoolchildren. 

* UNICEF does not endorse any company, brand, product or service.

Photo: ©UNICEF Timor-Leste – 2025 – JTalimeta