Rejoice with the Class of 2018

At Loyola College in Timor-Leste, there is cause for special celebration. Funded by the generosity of Jesuit Mission supporters, 104 inspiring Year 12 students are set to become the College’s first ever graduating class. For the students who attend the Jesuit-run secondary school, the opportunity for a quality education is truly life-changing. These young people are growing up in one of the most disadvantaged countries in the world. We are compelled to put our faith into action to create change in Timor-Leste. With the support of compassionate people like you, we are helping to rebuild the country’s secondary school system and giving as many young people as we can, access to outstanding education. DONATE This is the largest and most ambitious project the Jesuits have undertaken in Timor-Leste. Pivotal to this generation-building project is Loyola College, which is achieving excellent results with its rigorous approach. Directly adjacent to the school, is the teachers’ training institute, established by the Jesuits to address the critical shortage of qualified teachers. Through these Jesuit education institutions, the young people of Timor-Leste can build a path out of poverty and create a better future for themselves, their families - and their country. - Alex, 2018 graduating student, Loyola College, Timor-Leste. Alex, 17, is part of Loyola’s first graduating class. She is one of nine children from a poor family, who live in a rural village in the mountains. After studying with tireless focus, she is now graduating with excellent grades, and has her sights set on the future. She says: Having access to a Jesuit education has opened a world of new opportunities for Alex. Instead of joining her family farm after school, this inspiring young woman is thinking about how she can best use her confident voice to help her country grow. DONATE

In celebration of the graduation, the students have reflected in their own words on their school experience and the many transformative moments. They are truly grateful to you, our Jesuit Mission companions, for the bright futures that now lay ahead of them. Click here to read their inspiring stories and see how they’ve transformed. Education has the power to change lives, but without the kind support of people like you, the students of Timor-Leste will not be able to complete their schooling.