Programme

Adolescent Development and Participation

Empowering adolescents and young people with the skills, opportunities and voice to lead positive change in Timor-Leste

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Challenges

Timor-Leste's young population represents a significant opportunity for the country's future. However, many adolescents and young people continue to face barriers that limit their ability to learn, develop skills, participate in decision-making and successfully transition to employment. These challenges disproportionately affect girls, adolescents with disabilities and those living in rural communities, limiting their opportunities to contribute fully to society and national development.

Why we need to make a change:

Young people aged 15-24 make up approximately 22 per cent of the population, while nearly half of the population is under the age of 18.
Youth unemployment remains high, reducing opportunities for economic participation and livelihoods.
Many adolescents face barriers to education, skills development and meaningful participation in decisions that affect their lives.
An estimated 40.2 per cent of adolescent girls are affected by anaemia, impacting their health, well-being and development.
Adolescents with disabilities, especially girls, are less likely to access education and essential services.
Opportunities for civic engagement are often limited for girls, adolescents with disabilities and young people living in rural areas.

Adolescent Development and Participation 4 — UNICEF Timor-Leste/2026/RAraujo

Solutions

UNICEF works with the Government of Timor-Leste, communities and partners to ensure adolescents and young people are equipped with the knowledge, skills and opportunities they need to thrive and contribute to national development.

We support adolescents as active participants, leaders and agents of change, helping strengthen their voice and influence in decisions that affect their lives.

UNICEF's adolescent programming is integrated across sectors and focuses on:

Promoting adolescent health, nutrition and mental well-being.
Strengthening leadership, life skills and learning opportunities for adolescents in and out of school.
Preventing violence, harmful practices and online risks, including cyberbullying and online child sexual exploitation and abuse.
Advancing gender equality and disability inclusion.
Supporting climate action and environmental leadership among young people.
Expanding opportunities for skills development, employability, entrepreneurship and youth livelihoods.
Strengthening meaningful adolescent and youth participation in communities, schools and national platforms.

By investing in adolescent development and participation, UNICEF helps ensure young people are prepared to shape their own futures and contribute to the sustainable development of Timor-Leste.