Walk in their shoes for Timor... and help a young Timorese realise their dreams of an education.
Education can transform lives. Yet poverty stops young Timorese from being able to pursue an education. The Whitefriars College community has a long and proud association with Timor-Leste, supporting its young people to dream of a future filled with possibilities. Today you can 'Walk in Their Shoes for Timor' and help young Timorese continue their education. Please show your support. Donate today.
Young People are the Future
In Timor-Leste, many families are unable to send their children to school, college or university. They simply cannot afford to pay for their child’s education.
Since 2006, The Carmelites have been offering scholarships to young Timorese in Hera and Zumalai sub-district. Our scholarships cover essential items such as school or course fees, resources, living allowance, transportation and accommodation. Today our Community Scholarship program covers three key areas:
1. High School Scholarships which help children go to high school. Each scholarship costs around $650 per student.
2. Vocational Training Scholarships which allow students to study a course based on their preference. These scholarships cost around $885 per student.
3. University Scholarships which provide students the chance to pursue a Diploma or Bachelor degree. Each scholarship costs around $1,650 per student.
Your donation will help more young people continue their education and transform their lives.
“I’m really proud of what Judith has achieved. She’ll be the first in our family to go to University if the Carmelites support her.
It’s very expensive to pay for education in Timor. But it’s also important for their future.”
Julia (mother to Judith - pictured left)
“I’m interested in monitoring health and learning about family health, because I want to help families live well and healthily.
My hope is that I can help inform people about malnutrition.
Sadly, malnutrition is a big problem in Timor. Lots of people here don’t have access to good quality food and they become malnourished.”
Reinha dreams of helping communities fight malnutrition
Since she was a young girl, growing up in the northern coast of Timor-Leste, Reinha has dreamed of helping people understand how to take better care of themselves.
In 2018, Reinha's dream came true when she was awarded a Carmel Impact Community Scholarship, allowing her to attend University to study Public Health.
Our Community Scholarships are possible because of the generous support of our Carmelite family – people from across the globe who understand the difference an education makes to a young person living in poverty.
Although Covid disrupted her studies, Reinha has utilised what she’s learnt to keep communities safe from this deadly virus, teaching good hand washing and hygiene practices along with better nutrition for healthy bodies.
Today Reinha is on the verge of completing her 5-year Bachelor Degree in Public Health. The contribution she will make to communities will be profound.
Graduating Year 12 is JUST the beginning for Andre
From a young age Andre had a love for all things construction and mechanics. Being poor meant his family would not be able to afford to send him to school, let alone on to College to realise his dream vocation.
The only possibility for Andre was to receive a Carmel Impact Community Scholarship. Our Scholarships help young people attend high-school, university or college, providing them with the items they need such as books, laptop, pens, uniforms and more.
As Andre came from a remote village, he was provided with additional financial support, staying in school boarding houses to complete his studies.
While in high-school, Andre’s favourite subject was Construction Technology, where he learnt how to build foundations for various structures such as houses and fences.
Andre particularly enjoyed using the cement mixer, learning to mix his own cement to make bricks. Today Andre is studying Air-Conditioning Maintenance at College.
Supporting young people through high-school and into tertiary education is vitally important to help them realise their dreams.
Our Carmelite family will continue to support Andre throughout his vocational studies.
“Andre is a very diligent and conscientious student. He listens well and never needs to be told twice.
His teachers were very pleased with him, saying he understands the course material, did well on his exams and actively participated in class. He was also elected onto the Student Council.”
Here's another way YOU can make a difference...
When a young Timorese is given the precious gift of an education, they go on to change the lives of HUNDREDS of people around them.
Host a Meal, Empower a Dream is a fundraising initiative of Carmel Impact built around sharing a meal, learning about Timorese culture and raising funds to support young people's dreams of an education.
You can host a meal, afternoon tea or coffee with cake in your home or workplace. When you register to be part of Host a Meal, Empower a Dream you can set up your own fundraising page and invite those you know to donate, or simply make a donation yourself.
However you choose to get involved you’ll help another child attend school, another young adult receive a Community Scholarship, and another young man progress on his Carmelite journey. Find out more about how to get involved. Visit https://empower-a-dream.raisely.com/
If you would like to learn more about our Carmel Impact programs and how your support can make a difference to the people of Timor-Leste, please contact Nancy Mercurio, Fundraising Development Director by email director@carmelimpact.org.au or by phone 03 9690 8822.