Last year the Creating Leaders program bid farewell to Joaquim, who graduated from his school. Joaquim has ambitions to become a proficient computer scientist or software engineer and has gone on to study Computer Science at the Dili Institute of Technology. He is enjoying his first semester, which also includes language classes in Portuguese, English, and Tetum and he has also offered his services as a volunteer to the Order of Malta Embassy in Timor-Leste.

We have remained in contact with Joaquim and he recently sent us a letter to share with our donors, which I include below:

My name is Joaquim Henrique da Silva Gutters, and I am 18 years old. I completed my secondary education at Externato de São José in Dili, Timor-Leste. I joined the Creating Leaders program in 2015 and was supported by generous donors for many years until I finished in 2023.

I have two brothers and one sister. My family lives in Baucau Municipality, while I reside with my grandmother in Dili’s Bebonuk area. It takes approximately four hours to travel from Dili to Baucau.

Without the Creating Leaders program, I would not have been able to complete my education due to financial constraints. Therefore, I am immensely grateful to the Order of Malta, the ambassadors, and especially to the donors who supported me financially for my schooling, uniforms, and transportation. Though I have nothing material to offer, I always remember your support in my life and pray for our collective well-being.

Currently, I am continuing my studies at Dili Institute of Technology, majoring in Computer Science in the first semester. At this university, we study various subjects, including languages such as Portuguese, English, and Tetum. Without the support of the Order of Malta, I would not have reached this academic level.

The most valuable assistance I received from the Creating Leaders Program was the opportunity to improve my academic performance and personal development. I am also eager to contribute as a volunteer. If the embassy requires assistance with volunteer work, please feel free to contact me.

I appreciate the offer of support for English courses; however, due to my full class schedule from Monday to Saturday, I am unable to enrol at this time. When I have a free day during the semester, I will inform the Order of Malta to inquire about further support.

Thank you for your consideration and continued support.

Sponsoring a child in the Creating Leaders Program costs $100 per month and is tax deductible for Australian taxpayers.