Sources: UN Office, Government of Timor-Leste, and UNICEF.
In Gari-uai, near Baucau in Timor-Leste, Centro Loreto offers young children a safe, nurturing place to learn, grow, and prepare for school.
The preschool was established after consultation with local community leaders who wanted to improve educational standards for the youngest members of their community. What began in the community hall has grown into a purpose-built early learning centre, supported by the generosity of Mary Ward International supporters, Australian Loreto schools, and the wider Loreto community.
Since opening in 2015, Centro Loreto has played an important role in Gari-uai life. Each year, children attend the preschool and build early foundations in literacy, numeracy, social development, and emotional confidence.
Early childhood education helps children begin school with confidence.
For many families in Timor-Leste, access to preschool is still limited, particularly in rural and remote communities. Without early learning opportunities, children can begin primary school without the confidence, routine, language development, and foundational skills they need to thrive.
Centro Loreto responds to this need by giving children a strong start in a caring, structured, and joyful learning environment. Children are supported to participate, play, explore, and develop the skills that will shape their future education.
Ten years after the generosity of Mary Ward International supporters helped build Centro Loreto, the preschool continues to be a place of hope, belonging, and possibility.
Over time, the preschool has transitioned to a local leadership model, with a Timorese director and local teachers leading learning in the classroom. Under the dedicated leadership of Director Sonia, the preschool continues to respond to the needs of children and families with creativity, energy, and care.
The attached community centre also provides space for adults to gather and participate in non-formal education and training. It has become a hub for learning, connection, and community development, supporting activities such as English lessons, sewing workshops, health education, and sustainable livelihoods programs
As Centro Loreto continues to grow, new initiatives are helping strengthen children’s sense of belonging and participation.
In 2025, the preschool began work to provide new uniforms for children attending Centro Loreto. The uniforms are designed to help each child feel valued, included, and connected to the school community, while reducing financial barriers for families.
In the short term, uniforms will be sourced from a Timorese-run business in Dili. Longer term, the vision is for a local women’s collective in Gari-uai to sew future uniforms, strengthening community engagement and creating a more sustainable model.
Funds generated through the uniforms will be reinvested into school infrastructure, helping Centro Loreto continue to meet the needs of its students and community.
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