CARINGBAH High School students met former president and prime minister of East Timor (Timor Leste), Jose Ramos-Horta this month as part of their studies.
Year 12 Society and Culture students were given the chance to ask questions and learn more about their topic of study, continuity and change in East Timor.
Their teacher, Hannah Geraghty, got in touch with Jose Ramos-Horta on Facebook, and organised the meet and greet.
Mr Ramos-Horta invited the class to his presentation at the Global Health Conference 2014 at the Sydney Masonic Centre, where he spoke about the role young leaders can have in the political and social development of disadvantaged communities.
It was a valuable learning experience for students who will use the knowledge to support their final exams this year.
Jasmine Ronzon said it was interesting to hear about Mr Ramos-Horta's predictions for his country's future.
"He replied with several possibilities," she said.
"Rapid growth of the country in the next 20 years, and less inspiring possibility of corruption that could lead to widespread poverty."
Mrs Geraghty said: "I hope the students had an experience which not only enriched them academically and assisted in their HSC preparation, but one that inspired them long after the final school bell rings."
