Supporting our nearest neighbour

Timor Leste – one of Australia’s nearest neighbours – has seen centuries of educational neglect. When the Portuguese left in the mid-1970s, the literacy rate was estimated at only 20% of the population, and the country is still reeling from the destruction of its schools and infrastructure during its campaign for independence from Indonesia in 1999.

Loreto Kirribilli, with Mary Ward International Australia and other philanthropic-minded Loreto schools and supporters, have over the past decade been part of turning this neglect around. Together, we’ve successfully built a flourishing pre-school and a community development centre in the rural village of Gari-uai, and in neighbouring Ostico, refurbished parts of the primary school and built a brand-new community centre.

We at Loreto know that investing further in education helps individuals achieve their potential. We know that improved education promotes economic growth and employment opportunities and results in healthier families and communities.

Collectively, we have and will continue to ensure those that have been disadvantaged by circumstance can flourish as we pursue Mary Ward’s vision of accessible and inclusive education and opportunity for all.

Fiza Khosla
Mary Ward International Australia
mwia.org.au