Responding Together

CEO of Mary MacKillop Today, Jane Woolford, shares how education transforms lives

Just an hour’s flight from Australia, in a remote mountain village in Timor-Leste, twelve-year-old Marcia wakes each morning with a dream — to become a teacher. She loves school, especially Portuguese literacy, art, and music.

“I want to go to school because when I grow up, I want to get a good job, help my parents build a better house, and buy the food they need,” she told us.

But for many children like Marcia, education is out of reach. In remote areas, classrooms often lack books, resources, and trained teachers. Only 20% of preschool-aged children are enrolled, and 70% of Grade 1 students are not meeting basic learning outcomes.

That’s why Mary MacKillop Today’s Inclusive Early Education project, including our Mobile Learning Centre, is so vital. Bringing books, toys, and learning materials in children’s own language, the program supports teachers, engages parents, and ensures every child can learn and thrive.

Transforming Lives Through Education

Thanks to generous supporters, thousands of children in Timor-Leste are discovering the joy of learning:

• 5,708 children are now learning in inclusive, child-centred classrooms that nurture confidence and creativity.
• 136 teachers have been trained and supported, with nearly 20,000 classroom resources, including storybooks in Tetun — bringing lessons to life.
• 6,000 children, including 42 with disabilities, are participating in inclusive activities that promote equal opportunities for all.

Education gives children confidence, independence, and the tools to shape their own futures. When a child learns, their whole community benefits — breaking the cycle of poverty and creating hope for generations to come. Mary MacKillop Today’s work continues the mission of Saint Mary MacKillop, who more than 150 years ago brought education to those most in need. Today, her legacy lives on through programs that empower local teachers and families to believe in their own capacity to create lasting change.

Every Gift Creates Brighter Futures

This Christmas, your generosity can open doors to opportunity for children like Marcia: 

• $25 – A gift of learning: Provide storybooks in Tetun so children can read and write in their own language.
• $50 – A gift of care: Supply music, games, and hygiene resources to support healthy, engaging learning.
• $105 – A gift of inspiration: Provide classroom resource packs to enhance learning.
• $200 – A gift of opportunity: Help the Mobile Learning Centre reach remote villages with interactive lessons.

Continue Saint Mary MacKillop’s Legacy

Saint Mary MacKillop once said, “Never see a need without doing something about it.”
This Christmas, you can respond to that call — nurturing the dreams of children like Marcia and helping them build a brighter, more hopeful future.

Donate today at www.marymackilloptoday.org.au/donate

Francesca Cinelli
Mary MacKillop Today