Hi everyone, my name is Anthony Di Pietrantonio and I’m a Year 12 student at Salesian College Chadstone. This year, I have been given the incredible opportunity to travel to Timor-Leste with the Cagliero Project to work alongside the Salesian communities and young people there.

Timor-Leste is one of the youngest countries in the world and continues to face major challenges after decades of conflict and hardship. During the Indonesian occupation, an estimated 200,000 people lost their lives, around 20% of the population at the time. Today, over 70% of the country’s population is under 30 years old, creating a huge need for education, support, and opportunities for young people.

The Salesians are the number one education provider in Timor-Leste, operating more than 70 schools, orphanages, and youth centres across the country. Their work gives thousands of children access to education, food, safety, and hope for a better future.

Through this immersion, I hope to support these communities, learn from their resilience, and bring back a deeper understanding of service and solidarity. I am currently fundraising to support the ongoing work of the Salesians in Timor-Leste. Any donation, big or small, would mean so much and will directly help make a difference in the lives of young people and families.

Thank you so much for your support, generosity, and prayers.