Project Overview
From October 2020 to April 2021, Naroman served as a Website Development Consultant for UNICEF Timor-Leste, designing and implementing an online Information Platform for Child Protection in the COVID-19 context. This initiative aimed to centralize critical resources, foster coordination among stakeholders, and enhance protection services for vulnerable children during the pandemic.
Project Context
The COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented challenges for child protection systems worldwide. In Timor-Leste, where child protection services were already under-resourced, the pandemic threatened to exacerbate existing vulnerabilities and create new risks for children. UNICEF recognized the urgent need for improved information sharing, coordination, and resource accessibility among government agencies, civil society organizations, and UN entities working to protect children during this crisis.
Platform Development Process
Stakeholder Consultation
The platform was developed through extensive consultation with diverse stakeholders involved in child protection in Timor-Leste:
Government Institutions
- Ministry of Social Solidarity and Inclusion
- Ministry of Health
- Ministry of Education
- Secretary of State for Equality and Inclusion
UN Agencies
- UNICEF Child Protection Team
- UN Women
- UNFPA
- WHO
Civil Society Organizations
- Child protection NGOs
- Women's rights organizations
- Disability advocacy groups
- Community service providers
Through these consultations, we gained critical insights into information needs, service gaps, and coordination challenges facing child protection actors during the pandemic, which directly informed the platform's design and functionality.
Key Platform Features
Resource Repository
Comprehensive digital library of child protection policies, guidelines, and educational materials specific to the COVID-19 context, categorized by topic for easy access.
Service Directory
Interactive map and database of child protection services across Timor-Leste, including contact information, service types, and operational status during the pandemic.
Reporting System
Secure mechanism for reporting child protection concerns, with appropriate referral pathways to relevant authorities and service providers.
Training Center
Online learning modules and webinar recordings for capacity building of child protection workers, educators, and health professionals on pandemic-specific protection issues.
Data Dashboard
Visualization of key child protection indicators and trends during the pandemic, supporting evidence-based decision making and resource allocation.
Mobile Applications
Accompanying iOS and Android applications providing access to critical child protection resources even in areas with limited internet connectivity.
Technical Implementation
The platform was built using a customized WordPress solution with specialized features for child protection:
Capacity Building Component
Beyond technical development, the project included comprehensive training for UNICEF staff and stakeholders:
- Delivered hands-on training sessions on platform administration and content management
- Created detailed user manuals and video tutorials in both English and Tetum
- Established a tiered support system for ongoing assistance and troubleshooting
- Conducted specialized training for data entry and verification processes
- Developed a training curriculum for onboarding new users from partner organizations
Platform Launch and Promotion
The platform was formally presented to government officials, civil society organizations, academia, and other stakeholders through a coordinated launch strategy:
- Organized virtual demonstration sessions for key stakeholder groups
- Developed promotional materials highlighting the platform's features and benefits
- Created instructional resources for first-time users
- Coordinated with UNICEF's communication team for social media promotion
- Established feedback mechanisms to capture user experiences and suggestions
Impact & Outcomes
The Child Protection Information Platform has made significant contributions to strengthening protection systems during the pandemic:
- Improved coordination among government agencies, NGOs, and UN organizations working on child protection
- Enhanced accessibility of critical resources for frontline workers and service providers
- Streamlined reporting and referral processes for child protection concerns
- Increased capacity of protection professionals through online training and resources
- Supported evidence-based decision making through improved data visibility
- Created a sustainable digital infrastructure that continues to support child protection efforts beyond the immediate pandemic response