BETTER Timor

Hi, I’m Ornella — but in Timor-Leste, they call me Ama Mutin.

I’m the founder of BETTER Timor, an Australian-registered charity providing free, high-quality education in rural Timor-Leste. What started as a vision when I was 14 is now a growing reality — with the Bakhita School of Excellence and Bakhita English Institute supporting hundreds of students and their families.

I moved full-time to Same from Sydney to build something even bigger — a school that brings international-standard education to rural communities, where access is often limited.

With the support of José Ramos-Horta as Founding Patron, Bakhita is the first school outside of Dili to teach English from the earliest years — creating opportunity, confidence, and a pathway to the future.

This channel shares the real journey — the challenges, the growth, and the stories of the students, families, and community behind it all.

Because this isn’t just a school. It’s hope for the next generation.