LETS Immersion 2025

From 30 August to 5 September 2025, the Letefoho East Timor Support (LETS) group undertook an Immersion Tour to the parish of Letefoho, Timor-Leste. The team: Maggy Franklin, Frank Slade, Alex Gorman, Sue Barber, and Fr Vincent Nguyen—travelled with open hearts and a determination to listen deeply to the local people, to understand their needs, and to explore ways of working together for lasting change. This journey was not only a visit but a vital step in strengthening community ties, deepening friendships, and building a shared path of hope.

On arrival in Letefoho, the team received a warm and gracious welcome from Fr Elio, the parish priest. His hospitality, along with the kindness of the parishioners, immediately created a sense of belonging. The people of Letefoho are known for their friendliness and generosity, and throughout the week, the team experienced this spirit in every encounter. Supporting and guiding the group were Eddie de Pina and Amino, whose companionship and insight added richness to the experience.

One of the central visits during the tour was to NOSCAR School, which educates approximately 300 students. LETS has been supporting this school for many years, providing 150 scholarships annually for students in Years 10–12. Meeting the students, listening to their hopes, and seeing their enthusiasm brought to life the importance of this ongoing commitment. Education in Timor-Leste is both a challenge and a lifeline, and the scholarships funded by LETS are making an immeasurable difference in shaping the futures of young people.

The team also visited the boarding houses for boys and girls, another significant project that LETS has supported. These boarding houses allow students who live in remote villages to stay near their schools, giving them safe accommodation and a chance to continue their education without the long daily journeys that would otherwise make learning impossible. Seeing the smiles of the students and hearing their gratitude reinforced the impact of these facilities in building confidence, independence, and resilience.

Another meaningful stop was the St Josephine Bakhita Chapel in Eraulo, a project LETS has proudly contributed to. The chapel, now nearing completion, will soon become a spiritual home for the community. It stands as a symbol of faith, unity, and perseverance, reminding all who gather there of God’s enduring presence and the solidarity shared between communities across borders.

On the final day of the tour, the team had the privilege of meeting Virgílio do Carmo da Silva, Cardinal Archbishop of Dili. He welcomed the group warmly and personally expressed his gratitude for the support given to the parish of Letefoho. His encouragement was a powerful reminder that the mission of LETS is not only recognised locally but also valued at the highest levels of the Church in Timor-Leste.

Throughout the immersion, the team saw clear evidence of the fruits of LETS’s support. Projects that began as seeds of hope have grown into tangible signs of transformation—in education, pastoral care, and community life. The partnership between the Lower North Shore Parish and Letefoho is bearing fruit not only in physical projects but also in relationships of trust, friendship, and mutual encouragement.

As the team returns home, they carry with them more than memories. They bring back the stories, dreams, and resilience of the Letefoho community, along with a renewed commitment to walk beside them. This visit is not an ending, but a beginning—a fresh chapter in the ongoing journey of collaboration and solidarity. The impact of LETS’s work will continue to resonate, inspiring growth and empowerment in Letefoho for years to come, while also enriching the faith and generosity of the supporting community in Australia.

The immersion tour has shown once again that when communities come together with open hearts, hope flourishes, dignity is upheld, and lives are changed.

-Fr. Vincent Trung, Nguyen