In Timor-Leste, one of Australia’s closest neighbours, too many children are missing out on the education they deserve. Only 20% of preschool-aged children are enrolled in early learning and by Grade 1, 70% of students are not meeting basic learning outcomes1. Many children are being left behind before they even begin school.
In 2022, the Noel and Carmel O’Brien Family Foundation approached Mary MacKillop Today with a bold question. Could technology help close this early learning gap and improve equity in education?
With their support, we partnered with World Mosaic to develop two innovative tools. One app helps preschool teachers deliver fun and curriculum aligned activities. The second app supports families to continue these learning experiences at home.
Created with the Timor-Leste Ministry of Education, the tools reflect the national curriculum, are culturally relevant, delivered entirely in Tetun and promote shared interactive learning between adults and children.
After a successful pilot, we are now expanding the EdTech for Early Learning Project to 100 schools. This will support around 9,000 children along with their teachers and parents. It is a powerful example of how digital inclusion can advance educational equity when guided by local expertise.
A milestone launch in Timor-Leste
Our International Programs team recently joined communities for the official launch on the 18August last year. The event brought together students, parents, teachers, community members and national authorities including the Minister of Education, Mrs Dulce de Jesus Soares.
The Minister observed a classroom session where teachers and parents demonstrated how the EdTech application supports interactive early learning even in remote areas. She praised the collaboration behind the project and expressed strong interest in exploring national expansion. She noted that the app has the potential to become a key resource for preschool teaching across the country.
“Seeing the children so engaged shows how powerful this tool can be for early learning,” said Alipio Baltazar, our Timor-Leste Country Director.
Creating lasting impact
Mary MacKillop Today has supported education in Timor-Leste for more than 30 years. This long history and building of expertise has helped ensure the project reflects community needs and strengthens the national education system.
This work is already opening new doors for children who may otherwise miss out on early learning. By improving access to quality education from the earliest years, we are helping to create brighter futures.
We extend our sincere thanks to the Noel and Carmel O’Brien Family Foundation for their visionary support, which initiated this project in 2022 and continues to drive its impact today.
[1] UNICEF Timor-Leste – Quality Education
