Cipriano Manuel Das Neves

DTP alumnus Cipriano Manuel Das Neves is the Timor-Leste National Program Manager for the Australian charity Youth Off The Streets – Overseas Relief Fund, which provides support services to at-risk youth facing poverty, domestic violence, and educational exclusion. Most recently Cipriano was selected by the Ministry of Foreign and Cooperation Affairs in Timor–Leste to participate in its Future Leaders for the ASEAN Program.

His commitment to his work comes from his own life experiences. Born and raised in a disadvantaged rural community in Timor-Leste, Cipriano faced challenges of poverty and lack of educational opportunity. Cipriano took a difficult decision to leave his family home at the age of 13. Seeking stability and schooling, he moved into an orphanage in Baguia, a remote area five hours from the capital Dili.

“I left my home because there was no support and no future for me there,” he recalls. “My father was not supportive, and the living conditions were very hard.”

Cipriano joined the Youth Off The Streets – Overseas Relief Fund in 2015 as a youth worker. He became Project Coordinator in 2018, and in 2021, was appointed as the National Program Manager, overseeing all operations of the organisation in Timor-Leste.

Cipriano participated in DTP’s Annual Regional Human Rights and Peoples’ Diplomacy Training in 2019. He especially appreciated the sessions on advocacy strategy and network building:

“The DTP training was very resourceful, it gave me the tools to better support young people through advocacy, and helped me build networks with other practitioners across the Asia-Pacific. I met a fellow participant from Australia through DTP, and she has been actively supporting our programs since. That kind of connection makes a lasting difference.”

Despite facing the immense challenges of limited resources and overwhelming demand, Cipriano continues to find meaning in his work.

“In Australia, there are many support services. But in Timor, young people come to us daily with no money for school, no food, and in danger at home. We try to be a safe place for them— but the needs are enormous, and we are only a small team.” 

Looking to the future, and as he participates in the ASEAN Future Leaders Program, Cipriano hopes to see more collaboration and resource-sharing among youth advocates across borders.

“If DTP continues connecting young leaders from different countries — Australia, Timor-Leste, Fiji, Papua — we can build a stronger network for change. Together, we can bring support to those who need it the most.”