Hi, My name is Jose Asaca, I like to be called Jose. A am 23 years old. I was born in Atabae on the 6th of April 1985. I am the third of six brothers and sisters I have three sisters and two brothers. My parents are still alive, my Mother's name is Celestina Pires and my Father's Name is Celestino Gusmao. They are Farmers they work in rice field and they both can't read or write.

I finished my primary school in 1998 and junior high school 2002. In September 1999 we had to move to West Timor because of trouble in East Timor. We lived there as Refugee during four months, after that we came back to Atabae, East Timor.

I went to Atabae high school and I graduated from there 2002. Because of no senior high school in Atabae I have to go to Dili. I went there and studied at Dez de Dezembro Comoro, Dili senior high school during three years and I graduated from there in 2005.

After that I wanted to continue my study in University. Unfortunately my Parents and my Family can't support me. That's why I decided I didn't want to come back to Atabae but stayed in Dili to attend courses like English , Computer etc.

I went to Seminary in 2005 in Carmelite Order but after six months I dropped out. While I was in Dili I did English course, Computer and Administration Course. From September 2005 to February 2006 I attended Office Skill Course at The World Vision Youth Training Centre.

In April 2006 I came back to Atabae again because of crisis and trouble happen in Dili Town. While I was in Atabae, together with other Young People we set up Youth Group which is now known as "Comoning Youth Association".

September – October 2006 I went back to Dili and worked with The World Bank Office in Timor Leste, Dili as an Office Assistant. After that I went back to Atabae to work with the Youth Group as President.

In December 2006 I applied to work with FPET as Trainee Community Project Officer and I got that position and now I am working for FPET and for my Community and I enjoy that.

For my relaxation I like to join with young people in music and dancing. Sometimes the young people and myself join the Sisters to do meditation. I don’t play soccer but I really like to see and organize it.

I have set up an English Course and I am also helping with other Teachers who come to help. I am part of a Team with Rebecca (Christian Brothers Team), Dave, Margaret etc. This is to help the young people to develop their English.

We have set up a Group in the Church which will help young people to participate in Church Mission. I love my Church.

Thanks for reading my story, and thank you for all of the great things and support that you have given or done for me, my Family and my Community, and thanks to what you are doing now and what you will do for us.

May our Lord and our Lady bless you and those who very kindly support us.

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