DILI, 26 August 2025 (TATOLI) – The Australian non-governmental organization Mary MacKillop Today celebrated 31 years of service in Timor-Leste on Tuesday, marking over three decades of commitment to education and community development.
To commemorate the occasion, the organization launched new teacher manuals and two kindergarten books titled Sau Batar iha Knua and Prepara An iha Tempu Udan, aimed at enhancing early childhood education across the country.
Alipio Baltazar, Country Director of Mary MacKillop Today in Timor-Leste, reflected on the organization’s journey.
“Today, we celebrate 31 years of working alongside local communities, inspired by Saint Mary MacKillop’s legacy. Our mission is to create real, lasting change –especially for those most marginalized –ensuring that every person, no matter where they live, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive,” Baltazar told journalist at Delta Nova in Dili.
He noted that the organization began its mission in 1994, following an official invitation from Bishop Dom Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo.
“Our work focuses on sustainable development through education, particularly for marginalized communities. We implement ‘Learning for Life’ programs, provide humanitarian assistance, teacher training, and parent education. We also support health and livelihood projects to help people in remote and rural areas gain skills, improve their lives, and achieve self-determination—guided by Saint Mary MacKillop’s principle: ‘Never see a need without doing something about it,” Baltazar added.
Vice Prime Minister for Social Affairs, Mariano Lopes Assanami, speaking on behalf of the Timor-Leste government, congratulated Mary MacKillop Today for its continued support of the education sector.
“What they have done in Timor-Leste is crucial for our society. Education is not only about understanding science–it’s also about rebuilding the values of self-determination,” Assanami said.
He also took the opportunity to honor teachers across the country. “Your service is vital to our nation. The future of our country lies in your hands. When you teach our sons, they become fathers and leaders. When you teach our daughters, they become the next generation and influence the future of our nation,” he concluded.
The event was attended by Secretary of State for Cooperatives Arsenio Pereira, Secretary of State for Livestock José Vieira de Araújo, representatives from the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health, development partners, AHDMTL, and other distinguished guests.
Journalist : Camilio de Sousa
Editor : Rafael Ximenes de A. Belo
