Carmel Impact is a registered non-profit charity of the Carmelites Australia & Timor-Leste dedicated to transforming lives and empowering communities in Timor-Leste, one of the world’s least developed nations.
Our Commitment to Education
At Carmel Impact, we remain steadfast in our belief that education is the foundation of personal growth and societal transformation. We continue our efforts to ensure that children and youth, especially those from remote and rural communities, have access to the learning opportunities they deserve.
Community Scholarships
We aim to break financial barriers, promote access to education, and build future community leaders. In 2024, five students graduated, a proud milestone made possible by your continued generosity.
At present 23 university students are studying fields that reflect their communities’ needs, including Health, Agriculture, Pharmacy, Education, Technology, and General Studies. The scholarship covers tuition, study materials, tools, uniforms, and accommodation if needed.
As well, 11 high school students, many from remote areas, are continuing their studies with support covering school fees, study needs, transport, and accommodation.
La Bruna Scholarships
The La Bruna Scholarship Program is a long-term initiative of the Carmelite Order that supports the education and development of young Carmelite men and women in Timor-Leste. It offers opportunities to study philosophy in Timor-Leste contributing to national development through knowledge and critical thinking.
Rooted in the Carmelite mission of service and human dignity, the program also provides vocational training and language skills for studies in Timor-Leste, Indonesian and Australia.
In 2024 13 Carmelite brothers received La Bruna Support to study Philosophy in Dili. The scholarship covered tuition, accommodation, meals, transport, pastoral care, and a study space. Aswell, 2 Carmelite Sisters received La Bruna Support to study a Bachelor of Education and a Bachelor of Accounting in West Timor, Indonesia, with full tuition support.
Zumalai Schools
Since 2002, the Carmelite Order has worked closely with local communities in the Zumalai Administrative Region to improve access to quality education for children in rural areas. The central school, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic School, provides education from Grades 1 to 9. It is supported by two branch schools: St Francis Xavier Catholic School in Raimea, Grades 1–9, and Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School in Beco, Grades 1–7.
In 2024 Carmel Impact supported the government-led school lunch program by constructing a dining hall at the central school, providing over 600 students daily with a clean, dignified space to eat, improving both nutrition and learning outcomes.
In addition, monthly subsidies were provided to 18 volunteer teachers, ensuring that subjects such as biology, civics, geography, and physics are taught consistently across all three schools.
As well, educational materials sourced from Timor-Leste and Australia were provided, aligned with national curriculum guidelines to enhance teaching quality.
In 2024, 38 Kindergarten students in Zumalai and 24 in Raimea received learning materials such as crayons and paper. The program also supported trainee teacher subsidies and scholarships for children from low-income families, promoting inclusive early education.
Titus Brandsma Boarding House
Access to education remains a significant challenge for many students from economically disadvantaged rural families in Timor-Leste. While primary education up to Year 6 is often available in local villages, continuing education beyond that level typically requires relocating to Municipal centres. For families without relatives or support networks nearby, this transition can be especially difficult.
To respond to this need, the Carmelites built and operate the Beato Tito Brandsma College Boarding House, located in Zumalai. Established in 2015, the boarding house offers safe and supportive accommodation for students who travel from remote villages to continue their education.
Over the years, improvements have been made to enhance the students’ living conditions, including the addition of bathrooms, washing facilities, a kitchen, and a dining hall.
Now the boarding house accommodates 32 students, from primary school to Year 9, and is managed by Fr Silvestre, O.Carm.
How You Can Help
Give a Donation
Individuals, schools, businesses and trusts and foundations all contribute to the vital work of Carmel Impact through making financial contributions. These donations transform the lives of children and young adults in Timor-Leste, giving them hope for a better future through education. www.carmelimpact.org.au/donate/
Become a Regular Giver
A regular donation is your way of taking action every day to help transform lives in Timor-Leste. Regular giving via credit card or direct debit can be a convenient option and also enables us to reduce our administrative costs. This means that we can direct more funds to individuals and communities in Timor-Leste. Call us on (03) 9690 8822 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Build your impact
Giving a major donation as a gift to Carmel Impact will transform lives by guaranteeing the sustainability of our existing projects and commitments, particularly our schools, supporting the expansion of current projects such as enabling us to offer more education scholarships; or providing the seed funding for any new initiatives. If you are interested in discussing Major Gift opportunities please contact us on (03) 9690 8822 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Leave a Lasting Legacy
By remembering Carmel Impact in your Will your legacy can create a future of possibilities, hope and new opportunities. Whether it is providing young Timorese people with hope for a better future through training or supporting quality education at rural schools, your gift will sustain our work and transform lives.
If you would like to support our work with a financial contribution, or talk to us about other ways to be involved, please call us on (03) 9690 8822 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
If you would like to receive a printed copy of the Report, please call (03) 9690 8822 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.