DFAT commissioned an independent evaluation to assess the contribution of Australia’s support to the EMBLI/EMULI (Mother Tongue Based Multilingual Education) Program on teaching practice and early learning outcomes in Timor Leste. Covering DFAT supported assistance from 2012 to mid 2024, the evaluation drew on student assessment data, classroom observations, stakeholder interviews and document review.
The evaluation found that EMULI students consistently outperform peers in comparable public schools in the early years, particularly in literacy and numeracy, demonstrating the effectiveness of instruction in languages that children understand. It also identified challenges related to sustainability, consistency of teaching practice, cost effectiveness, and monitoring, evaluation and learning. The evaluation concluded that while EMULI remains a relevant and promising approach, further system level, management adjustments are required to support expansion and long term institutionalisation.