The Government of Japan has partnered with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to strengthen Timor-Leste’s national school feeding programme, signing an agreement that will help sustain daily meals for more than 100,000 schoolchildren in 2026. Japan’s contribution of USD 700,000 (JPY 100,000,000) will enable WFP to provide 330 metric tonnes of rice to over 350 schools across Covalima, Aileu, Lautem and Dili, reinforcing a longstanding commitment to improving nutrition and food security in the country.
During the signing ceremony in Dili, Japan’s Ambassador to Timor-Leste, KIMURA Tetsuya, highlighted Japan’s dedication to supporting children’s growth and learning. He expressed hopes that the rice supplied through this partnership will help children stay healthy, energized, and better able to perform academically, while fostering positive nutrition habits.
Amin Said, WFP Officer-in-Charge in Timor-Leste, welcomed Japan’s continued support, emphasizing that access to nutritious school meals remains a national priority. He noted that reliable school feeding programmes help children learn and thrive while offering families confidence in their children’s well-being and education.
School meals play a critical role in reducing hunger, improving nutrition, and boosting school attendance rates across Timor-Leste. Japan’s latest contribution strengthens national efforts to protect children’s health and resilience and helps reinforce a sustainable school feeding system.
WFP continues to collaborate with the Government of Timor-Leste and development partners to advance food security, nutrition, and long-term development goals nationwide.
