Call for EOIs: Building Inclusive, Child-Centred Early Warning Systems (Timor-Leste)

The UNICEF grant offers around $50,000 to develop child-centred, inclusive early warning systems that improve disaster preparedness and resilience in communities and schools.

Overview

The UNICEF is inviting applications to design and implement inclusive, child-focused early warning systems that strengthen disaster preparedness and community resilience.

The initiative emphasizes empowering communities—especially children and schools—to take proactive roles in disaster risk reduction.

Programme Objectives

The programme aims to:

• Strengthen disaster preparedness and response systems
• Promote child-centred and inclusive approaches
• Improve early warning communication and accessibility
• Enhance community resilience and coordination
• Integrate schools into disaster risk management

Key Focus Areas

Projects should address:

• Coordination and partnerships
• Disability inclusion and accessibility
• Emergency preparedness and disaster risk reduction
• Emergency response and early recovery
• Gender equality and women’s empowerment
• Training and capacity building
• Resource mobilization
• Protection in emergencies
• Learning outcomes for children

Funding Details

• Grant amount: Approximately $50,000
• Purpose:
  • Design
  • Implementation
  • Operationalization of pilot early warning systems

Programme Approach

Community and School Engagement

• Involve children, teachers, and schools in preparedness efforts
• Conduct awareness sessions and simulation drills
• Integrate early warning systems into school environments

Institutional Collaboration

• Work with national agencies such as:
  • National Directorate of Meteorology and Geophysics
  • Civil Protection Authority
• Ensure timely and effective dissemination of early warning information

Inclusive Design

• Use child-friendly communication methods
• Ensure accessibility for vulnerable and marginalized groups
• Adapt systems to local contexts and needs

Expected Results

• Improved access to early warning information
• Better understanding of risks at community level
• Strengthened local hazard response systems
• Effective communication of warnings using local methods
• Increased preparedness and rapid response क्षमता

Why This Programme Matters

This initiative is important because it:

• Protects children in disaster-prone settings
• Builds long-term community resilience
• Promotes inclusive and equitable preparedness systems
• Strengthens collaboration between communities and institutions
• Encourages proactive rather than reactive disaster management

How to Apply

Steps

1. Identify Target Communities
   Focus on vulnerable or disaster-prone areas
2. Design Project
   Include:

• Early warning system approach
• Community and school engagement plan
• Inclusion strategies

3. Develop Partnerships
   Engage relevant government and local stakeholders
4. Prepare Proposal
   Include technical plan, budget, and expected outcomes
5. Submit Application
   Through the official UNICEF grant application process

Key Tips for Applicants

• Prioritize child-centred and inclusive design
• Demonstrate strong community engagement
• Use locally relevant communication strategies
• Include clear and measurable outcomes
• Highlight partnerships with authorities

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring inclusion (disability, gender, marginalized groups)
• Weak coordination with local authorities
• Overly technical solutions without community usability
• Lack of school engagement
• Incomplete or unclear implementation plans

FAQs

1. What is the funding amount?

Approximately $50,000.

2. Who can apply?

Organizations capable of implementing community-based disaster preparedness initiatives.

3. What is the main focus?

Developing inclusive, child-centred early warning systems.

4. Are schools involved?

Yes, schools are a key component of the programme.

5. What outcomes are expected?

Improved awareness, preparedness, and response to disasters.

6. Is partnership required?

Strong collaboration with national and local agencies is encouraged.

7. Why focus on children?

Children are among the most vulnerable and can play a key role in community preparedness.

Conclusion

This UNICEF grant provides a strong opportunity to build inclusive, community-driven disaster preparedness systems.

By integrating children, schools, and local institutions, it helps create resilient communities capable of responding effectively to risks and emergencies.