Mary MacKillop Today has long supported communities in Timor-Leste though our education and livelihood programs. With our previous program cycle concluding earlier this year, we are now entering a new chapter with a five-year program model focused on deeper co-design with communities, longer implementation timeframes, and stronger long-term ownership.
Each program includes six months of co-design, four years of delivery, and six months of wrap-up to help ensure sustainable outcomes.
It was during this new design phase that Board Member Jane Sloane had the opportunity to visit Timor-Leste, insights she reflects on in the piece below.
Reflections from Timor-Leste: A Visit with Our Education Team
By Jane Sloane, Board Member, Mary MacKillop Today
During a recent stay in Dili, I had the privilege of observing a National Stakeholder Consultation with teachers, one of the largest gatherings Mary MacKillop Today has helped coordinate. The room was filled with energy, thoughtful discussion, and a shared commitment to strengthening education in Timor-Leste.
Although I couldn’t follow every discussion directly, I valued the opportunity to meet and speak with teachers during the breaks and hear how meaningful they found the consultation process. Their enthusiasm was evident, as was their strong desire to continue improving outcomes for their students.
What struck me most was the extent to which teachers, and the broader education system, rely on the training and support provided by Mary MacKillop Today. The dedication of our team, and the trust placed in them, highlights both the impact of this work and the importance of ensuring it is sustainable into the future. Strengthening partnerships, collaboration, and opportunities for greater sector ownership will be essential for long-term success.
The following day, I spent time with our Timor-Leste team and learned more about their integrated approach across teacher training, parent engagement, inclusive early learning, health literacy, and livelihoods. Hearing directly from the team about their work and its impact was inspiring. Literacy remains a critical national priority, and Mary MacKillop Today continues to play an important role in helping children, teachers, and families thrive.
I was also reminded of the value of education that is closely connected to community needs and local environments. Conversations about food security, nutrition, and nature-based initiatives reflect both the challenges and opportunities facing Timor-Leste. It is encouraging to see Mary MacKillop Today working alongside organisations committed to locally led solutions, with strong potential to deepen these partnerships over time.
Another encouraging insight from my visit was learning how long many team members have been part of Mary MacKillop Today, some for more than a decade. Their commitment speaks volumes about the organisation’s mission and the value they find in their work. I deeply appreciated their openness and generosity in sharing their insights.
Although I was unable to travel out to the villages on this visit, I hope to return and see the programs in action, including the Mobile Learning Centre, a wonderful initiative that brings creative, local-language learning directly to children.
My time in Timor-Leste reaffirmed the profound impact of our work and deepened my admiration of our team and partners. It is a privilege to be part of this mission, supporting communities to access quality education and build strong foundations for the future.
Jane Sloane
Board Member
