Student Sponsorship

Education Opening the Door to Successful Progress

In Timor Leste school attendance is free up to the end of Junior High School, Year 9. Only students whose parents can afford school fees, finish Senior High School education.  Most students in Letefoho only attend up to year 9. In order to progress to tertiary education facilities such as university or technical colleges, Year 12 must be completed. Entry into university is very competitive so good results are required, as in most countries. Our Lady of Mount Carmel High School, Letefoho, also charges school fees - $345 for Year 10, which includes education fees, registration and uniforms, then $245 for per year for Years 11 & 12. This is a lot money for families who struggle to feed their children. Since 2017 LETS has coordinated a School Sponsorship Programme, whereby individuals take support a child (or 2!) for 1 year's Senior High School education. We request our generous sponsors to make an ongoing commitment to support a student until they finish high school, if possible. These students would not complete senior high school without this support.

In 2017, 32  new Year 10 students were sponsored. In 2018, the sponsorship grew to 55 Year 10s in addition to 31 Year 11 students. Each year the numbers grow and this year, 2025, we have sponsored 125 school students, including 45 new Year 10 students.  As students progress to  purposeful, well paid employment,  post tertiary education or on the basis of good Year 12 results, they become vital supporters of, not only to their personal well-being, but that of their younger siblings, by assisting their families to pay more school fees.

This programme is tangible and real and creating a whole new world of hope to the students and their most appreciative families. Our Lady of Mt Carmel High School is growing in numbers of students and teachers every year.

This year we have continued sponsorship of 46 tertiary students attending either university or teachers college, and 9 seminarians.

Education is their key to an improved life, employment, giving back to their family and community and eventual self-sustainability.

If you would like to know more about our Student Sponsorship Programme, please contact LETS through admin@lets.net.au or gcm.lough@gmail.com