Year 12 student and Mission Ambassador Anthony Di Pietrantonio recently travelled to Timor-Leste as part of the College’s immersion experience. In this reflection, Anthony shares what inspired him to take part, the moments that stayed with him and how the experience deepened his understanding of faith, service and the work of the Salesians.
What inspired you to put your hand up for the Timor-Leste experience?
I was inspired to apply because I wanted to step outside my comfort zone and experience life in a completely different culture. After participating in the Cambodia Immersion last year and becoming involved in faith and mission activities at Salesian College Chadstone, I saw how powerful these experiences can be in helping us understand the challenges faced by others.
I wanted the opportunity to serve others, learn from the people of Timor-Leste and live out the Salesian values of faith, service and community. As Mission Ambassador, I also felt a responsibility to deepen my understanding of the people and communities we support through our fundraising and mission work.
As Mission Ambassador, service is an important part of your role. What does serving others mean to you personally?
To me, serving others means putting the needs of others before your own and being willing to help without expecting anything in return. Service is not always about doing something significant. Sometimes it can be as simple as listening, supporting someone who is struggling or giving your time to help another person.
Through my role as Mission Ambassador, I have learned that service is about building relationships, showing compassion and using the opportunities I have been given to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
What was your first impression when you arrived in Timor-Leste?
When I first arrived in Timor-Leste, one of the first things that stood out to me was the visible level of poverty. As we drove away from the airport, I noticed small homes made from sheets of tin only a few hundred metres away. Seeing these homes made me realise how different everyday life can be compared with Australia and how many families live with very limited resources.
It was confronting and immediately changed my perspective, making me appreciate many of the things I often take for granted. At the same time, I was amazed by the natural beauty of Timor-Leste. The country is surrounded by breathtaking mountains, crystal-clear water and stunning coastal views. I was also struck by the warmth, strength and generosity of the people we met.
The Salesian mission is built on faith, education and supporting young people. How have these values shaped your own journey at Salesian College Chadstone?
The Salesian values have had a significant impact on my journey at Salesian College Chadstone. Through opportunities such as Salesian Youth Ministry, serving as Mission Ambassador, fundraising for Timor-Leste, participating in the Cambodia Immersion and becoming involved in other faith and service initiatives, I have learned the importance of leadership through service.
The Salesian approach encourages young people to use their gifts to help others and contribute positively to their communities. These experiences have helped me grow in confidence, strengthen my faith and develop a greater understanding of the responsibility we have to support people in need.
What was the most memorable moment from the trip, and why has it stayed with you?
The most memorable moment of the trip was when we first arrived in Laga. As our bus entered the Don Bosco community, hundreds of children came running towards us and surrounded the vehicle with huge smiles on their faces. They were waving, cheering and calling out to us with so much excitement that it felt as though we were celebrities arriving at a special event.
What made the moment so unforgettable was the genuine joy the children showed. Although many of them have access to far fewer material resources than we do in Australia, they welcomed us with incredible warmth, kindness and enthusiasm. Their excitement was not because of what we could give them, but simply because we had come to visit and spend time with them.
This experience has stayed with me because it reminded me that happiness is not measured by material possessions. It can be found in relationships, community and the joy of being present with others.
How has the experience changed the way you see your own life, education and opportunities in Australia?
My experience in Timor-Leste has completely changed the way I see my own life, education and opportunities in Australia. It made me realise how fortunate I am and how often I take things for granted. Access to clean water, electricity, quality healthcare and education are everyday parts of my life, yet they are not always guaranteed for people in other parts of the world.
The trip also changed the way I view Catholic education. Before travelling to Timor-Leste, I saw my school as a place where we learned about our faith, attended Mass and participated in religious activities. In Timor-Leste, however, I witnessed people who lived out their Catholic faith each day. Their faith was not simply something they learned about in the classroom. It shaped the way they treated others, welcomed visitors and served their communities. Despite facing significant challenges, they were incredibly generous, joyful and grateful.
This made me reflect on Catholic schools in Australia. While we are fortunate to have excellent facilities, resources and opportunities, we can sometimes lose sight of what it truly means to live our faith. The experience reminded me that being part of a Catholic community is about more than attending a Catholic school. It is about putting faith into action through service, compassion, gratitude and love for others.
What would you like the Salesian community to understand about Timor-Leste and the work of the Salesians there?
I would like the Salesian community to understand that the Salesians in Timor-Leste dedicate their lives to supporting and empowering young people. Their commitment goes far beyond providing education. They are present each day, guiding young people, supporting families and creating opportunities for students to build better futures.
From what I observed, the Salesians have a significant presence in the lives of young people across the communities we visited. Their schools and programs provide students with education, practical skills, strong values and a sense of belonging.
What stood out to me most was the passion and sacrifice of the Salesians. Many have devoted their lives to serving young people, particularly those with fewer opportunities. They live out Don Bosco’s mission by putting young people first and ensuring that students feel supported, valued and encouraged to reach their potential.
The Salesians are not simply running schools. Through education, faith and community, they are helping young people create better lives for themselves, their families and their country. Seeing this work firsthand made me appreciate the importance of the Salesian mission and the impact it continues to have on so many lives.