VORAKAI brings internet to six FOKUPERS sites in Timor-Leste

VORAKAI is connecting six FOKUPERS facilities in Timor-Leste to support women escaping violence, children’s education and safer case management. The partnership also includes online safety work and a first-of-its-kind school technology rollout in the country.

Why it matters: - Reliable internet can improve access to protection, education and essential services for women and children facing violence or disadvantage. - The partnership strengthens frontline community services in Timor-Leste by supporting communication, case management and safer digital access. - The rollout also shows how basic connectivity can be used to support vulnerable users, not just businesses and institutions.

What happened: - VORAKAI is providing high-quality internet across six FOKUPERS locations in Timor-Leste. - The connected sites include FOKUPERS Head Office in Farol, Dili; Uma Mahon Dili; Uma Mahon Maliana; Transit Centre Suai; Uma Mahon Labarik Dili; and Knua ba Labarik (KBL) Pre-School. - VORAKAI has become a Friend of FOKUPERS through the partnership. - The announcement was made Oct. 29, 2026.

The details: - FOKUPERS was founded in 1997 and works across all 13 municipalities in Timor-Leste. - The internet access will support digital information systems used for case management, coordination and communication between FOKUPERS teams. - Reliable connectivity is intended to help staff share sensitive information and coordinate assistance across locations. - FOKUPERS will become the first organization in Timor-Leste to implement the Students of Timor management application at its Knua ba Labarik Pre-School. - The school application is expected to improve educational information management and communication between teachers, parents and students. - VORAKAI and FOKUPERS will also work together on online safety initiatives for women, children and other vulnerable users. - The collaboration will include sharing knowledge and resources to help people navigate digital environments more safely. - FOKUPERS Executive Director Domingas Afonso Amaral said the partnership will strengthen the organization’s ability to support women and children while helping them safely access needed resources. - VORAKAI Chairperson Tammy Kassiou said the effort is about connecting people to safety, support, education and hope.

Between the lines: - The partnership pairs infrastructure with safeguards, reflecting the reality that connectivity alone does not solve the risks faced by survivors of violence. - The focus on confidentiality, responsible information management and online safety suggests the project is as much about digital trust as it is about internet access. - The pre-school rollout signals an early push into digital inclusion for children, which could create a model for other community organizations in Timor-Leste.

What\'s next: - VORAKAI and FOKUPERS will continue implementing the connectivity rollout across the six sites. - The two organizations are expected to expand online safety efforts alongside the new internet access. - The school technology rollout at Knua ba Labarik Pre-School will begin under the Students of Timor system. - VORAKAI said it hopes other technology companies will support community organizations with similar partnerships.

The bottom line: - The deal turns internet access into a support tool for women’s protection, children’s education and safer service delivery in Timor-Leste.

www.fokupers.org

www.vorakai.com