Collective Philanthropy for Education Transformation in Timor-Leste Report

 

​This report provides an overview of the political, economic and education landscape in Timor-Leste and identifies key areas for philanthropic investment to support improved learning outcomes.

​

In 2025, Dreams Asia and Octava Foundation commissioned Better Purpose to undertake a comprehensive landscaping study to identify opportunities for collaborative philanthropy in Timor-Leste’s education sector. Drawing on in depth desk research, stakeholder interviews and a field visit, the study supported the creation of the Education Collective for Timor-Leste and has helped shape a coordinated, high impact approach to investment.

​

The report presents a clear case for partnership, demonstrating how philanthropic actors can work together, in close collaboration with the Government of Timor-Leste, to address systemic challenges, mobilise resources and drive meaningful improvements in educational outcomes. This approach to partnership and investment is grounded in robust evidence from a comprehensive landscaping review of the country’s national context and education system, which highlights both persistent challenges and emerging opportunities.​​​

​

As a young, post conflict democracy, Timor-Leste faces economic pressures and some of the lowest learning outcomes in the region, yet it has significant potential to accelerate progress, strengthen human capital and support sustainable economic growth. Through an open, inclusive and country led process, the study outlines priority areas for investment, including foundational learning, with a particular focus on expanding early childhood education and multilingual instruction; teacher and school leadership capacity building; and infrastructure development, with a focus on replicable school construction models, offering a clear and practical pathway for philanthropy to make a lasting and transformative impact.​​​​

​