From Rain to Resilience: Securing Water for Schools
Promoting safe use and sustainability of rainwater systems through active monitoring
Dili, 21 January 2026 - UNICEF has been investing in strengthening climate adaptation and resilience for children and communities, in line with its global strategy, recognizing that the climate crisis is also a child rights crisis. Climate change poses a direct threat to children’s ability to survive, grow, and thrive. Although children and young people are the least responsible for climate change, they will bear the greatest burden of its impacts, particularly in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) such as Timor-Leste.
Timor-Leste, a tropical country with distinct rainy and dry seasons, faces increasing climate-related challenges affecting water and sanitation. While access to basic drinking water services is relatively high, reaching around 85 per cent of the population, many communities rely on rain-fed sources such as springs and wells, which are vulnerable to droughts and floods. Water management in rural areas remains inadequate, especially during prolonged dry periods when water sources dry up. Nationally, 15.5 per cent of households still use unimproved sanitation services, and 26.5 per cent of rural households practice open defecation. In schools, 34 per cent lack sanitation facilities, creating barriers to attendance and dignity, particularly for girls with menstrual hygiene management needs.
To address these challenges, with support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) of the New Zealand Government, through UNICEF and in partnership with the Ministry of Education, rainwater harvesting tanks were installed in 16 selected schools across Aileu Municipality between August and December 2025. Schools were prioritized based on limited water access and vulnerability to shortages during the dry season. The initiative provides a practical and sustainable solution by capturing and storing rainwater, helping schools maintain access to water during the dry season.
Alongside installation, regular monitoring visits are conducted to ensure the systems function properly and are used safely. These visits also guide schools on how to utilize school grants effectively to manage, maintain, and sustain the rainwater systems over time.
At participating schools, including EBF 1.2 Consin, one of the 16 schools supported under this initiative, the newly installed 1,500-litre tanks are already making a meaningful difference. Serving 2,210 students (1,143 boys and 1,067 girls) and supported by 106 teachers (58 male and 48 female), the additional water storage helps ensure that handwashing, sanitation, and other daily school needs can continue even during periods of water scarcity. The harvested rainwater is used for daily handwashing, toilet facilities, and irrigating small school gardens where vegetables are grown to complement school feeding activities, contributing to improved hygiene, nutrition, and learning conditions.
In the future, additional tanks will be installed based on the number of students enrolled, to ensure sufficient water availability during the dry season and strengthen the school’s resilience to water scarcity.
As part of the monitoring process, Marcelino Mendonça, School Inspector for Basic Education serving Laulara Administrative Post in Aileu Municipality, regularly visits schools to assess the condition of the tanks, guide school staff, and ensure the rainwater systems comply with national WASH in Schools standards, implemented with technical support from UNICEF to ensure safe water for cleaning, handwashing, and other essential school needs.
Through routine monitoring, the inspector works closely with school leaders to strengthen maintenance practices and promote safe and effective use of the system.
“The water tanks will be regularly maintained, including the use of filters and appropriate treatment to prevent microbial contamination, ensuring the rainwater is safe for use,” he explained.
Beyond infrastructure, the monitoring sessions also provide guidance for teachers and students. During these visits, schools receive practical instructions on responsible water use, maintenance planning, and water conservation practices to help ensure the system remains functional and sustainable over time.
This programme is supported by UNICEF, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education through the National Directorate of School Infrastructure, reinforcing a shared commitment to water sustainability, child health, and climate-resilient education systems.
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