Enabling Access to Life-Changing Education
Since the onset of our mission in Timor-Leste, we have been supporting hundreds of children at three primary schools in the Zumalai region. However, access to education beyond primary level is challenging for children in rural areas who at times need to walk hours to reach the nearest junior high school to continue their education. Carmel Impact knew it had to find a solution to ensure distance didn’t limit educational opportunities for children from outlying villages with no access to post-primary education.
In 2015, with help from our generous donors, Carmel Impact constructed the Beato Tito Brandsma College Boarding House in Zumalai to house up to 25 students. Since 2015, over 70 young people have resided in our boarding house throughout their entire education at our schools. Who says you can’t make a difference? You can!
Dreaming of a Better Future
Our aim is to help the most vulnerable people, and we know you feel the same way. Priority for our accommodation is given to students who are from particularly challenging situations, such as those living in poverty or who have been orphaned. The boarding house provides a nurturing environment for learning and student well-being.
Learning Independence is Key
All students reside in a dormitory, gaining a sense of community with others living in the house. Together they discover the value of living and working in collaboration with their peers. Carmel Impact takes a holistic approach to learning, teaching students to be independent, responsible, and self-reliant.
‘My favourite part of living in the boarding house is playing chess and getting to eat chocolate.’
Elias is in Grade 2 and one of our youngest boarders who loves
learning languages and mathematics.