What We Do for The People of Timor
Education equals freedom! Carmel Impact works together with people in Timor-Leste to transform lives and build communities. We educate children and young adults to realise their true potential. We help empower them through education, youth engagement, and leadership development. Everyone deserves an opportunity for a better life, and with your support we’re effecting lasting change, transforming present and future generations in Timor-Leste.
Education Changes Lives
Education is the single most powerful tool to achieve individual and community transformation. Timor-Leste is one of the most poverty-stricken countries in Asia, and due to its turbulent history, over 70% of its population is under 30 years of age – half of which are children!
Access to quality education in Timor-Leste is severely limited and particularly challenging for those in rural areas. Carmel Impact funds a network of Catholic Schools enabling young people in both urban and rural locations to study at primary and secondary school. Through our scholarship program, youth have a pathway to tertiary and vocational training, leading to jobs, university studies, and professional roles. But most of all, to a brighter future!
Carmel Impact’s projects support education further by building boarding houses to accommodate students with no access to local schools and providing scholarships. Our Community Scholarships create pathways to jobs and careers for the local youth, and our La Bruna scholarships offer young men with an opportunity to pursue Philosophy, English and post graduate humanitarian degrees to become the leaders of tomorrow. All Timorese deserve the chance to have an education and hope for a better future for themselves and their communities.
Youth Engagement
Carmel Impact runs youth engagement programs in order to address the growing rise of young people in Timor falling through the cracks. Two-thirds of Timorese youth are unemployed. Opportunities are severely limited. This has led to high rates of youth feeling marginalised, and subsequently becoming involved in violence.
Carmel Impact’s youth engagement programs bring people together through sport and cultural activities. Guided by other young adults, Timorese youth from eight local villages gather during school holidays for activities which promote community cohesion, physical well-being, and individual confidence.
Activities such as soccer and volleyball tournaments plus a singing competition help cultivate friendships and resilience, as well as nurturing athletic and performance skills. It’s a genuine opportunity to have fun in a safe and supportive environment!
Leadership Development
We support the future leaders of Timor-Leste. Carmel Impact’s ‘Leadership for Change’ programs cultivate mentors who look out for its most vulnerable citizens, particularly children. Mentoring and professional development courses provide the tools to build positive, robust and safe communities via a leadership culture based on trust, integrity, and transparency.
Help Transform Lives
Together we can make a real difference in Timor-Leste today.
By getting involved with Carmel Impact and taking action together we can change young people’s lives through the gift of education. Our youth engagement programs promote a stronger sense of community and well-being and we’re working hard to develop leaders who protect vulnerable children and adults.
Be part of this transformation!
Carmel Impact’s education programs in Timor-Leste contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals of: No poverty; Good health and wellbeing; Quality education; and Gender equality.
You can make an immediate difference by actively supporting community development projects in Timor-Leste’s communities. All donations over $2.00 made to Carmel Impact are tax deductible. ‘Transforming lives, Building Communities, Together’!