How We Help
Carmel Impact is a Christian charity established by The Carmelites of Australia and Timor-Leste dedicated to transforming lives and helping to build communities in East Timor – one of the poorest countries in the world. We drive this change together with the help of our supporters around the globe.
Since 2001, with a focus on education, youth engagement and leadership development, our aim has been to create lasting, positive change in Timor-Leste (East Timor). Carmel Impact is proud to build on the Carmelites’ legacy in the region, drawing on experience and a wealth of local knowledge. This long-term commitment has built strong relationships with local Timorese communities. Carmel Impact’s community building programs are designed to provide the people of Timor-Leste with the same fundamental human rights all people deserve.

Education
Even the most underprivileged deserve access to education at primary school, high school, university, and vocational training courses in Timor-Leste.

Youth Engagement
Our Youth Engagement Program offers Timorese youth the ability to connect with one another in a positive environment through sporting and cultural activities.

Leadership Development
Our Leadership for Change programs provide the necessary skills for people to become effective leaders, ensuring children and vulnerable adults always have someone looking out for their best interests.

Heart-warming Story
Former Community Scholarship student Azina realises her dream of becoming a nurse. Her new skills helping to vaccinate against COVID-19.

Heart-warming Story
From La Bruna Scholarship to Timor Post. How one young man’s education journey transformed his life.

Latest Appeal
A mother’s hope
Help teachers like Delta support their own children as well as other young Timorese students to reach their full potential!
Making A Difference
Our support provides a foundation for future prosperity.
- 515 students attended one year of primary or junior high school
- 32 students completed a full year of their Bachelor of Philosophy studies
- 18 volunteer teachers received financial subsidies
Take Action
Our education programs in East Timor contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals of:

Make a difference now by actively supporting community development projects in poor, rural East Timorese communities. All donations over $2.00 made to Carmel Impact are tax deductible.
Where Your Funds Go
The Carmelites recognise education is the key to transforming communities. Therefore, our programs focus on two main areas: education and youth engagement. We work with people at a grass roots level from communities throughout Timor-Leste, with education being delivered through scholarships, Catholic schools, and boarding houses – to ensure schools can be accessed by people from even the most remote villages. Youth engagement has an emphasis on building community through participation in sports, festivals, and leadership development.
Our Promise To You
It is only through the consistent support of Australian organisations, businesses, and everyday people that allows and empowers Carmel Impact to enact its vision of, ‘Transforming lives – Building Communities – Together.’
Carmel Impact is committed to donor accountability and in its capacity to use gifts effectively for their intended purposes. We adhere to the highest ethical standards, employing complete transparency throughout all of our processes. Please feel free to send any feedback, questions, or concerns you have to Carmel Impact and we’ll respond as soon as possible.
Together we can change young people’s lives with the gift of education, build infrastructure to promote learning, and help communities in need!