The Cagliero Project

I volunteered with the Cagliero project in 2018 and found it to be a really positive experience. Going to a foreign country alone to spend six months, one would think to be an anxious experience due to all the unknown factors, however with the amount of support (emotional, mental through training, spiritual and financial) that was given, it was not so. I grew so much personally that the benefits outweighed the struggles (there were many). I am truely inspired by the girls I worked with during my time and am humbled daily by the simplistic lifestyle I was confronted with overseas that is really a calling for all Christians. The passion that the organisation has for Don Bosco is really inspiring and allowed me to grow in my view and love for young people, which has and is helping me seek out my career vocation to one day work with young people as a counsellor/psychologist. The cross-cultural experience was mind opening and has helped me grow in cultural understanding (such as collectivist vs individualistic ways of life), which in my opinion is a priceless experience and very important living in a multi-cultural place such as Australia.

I volunteered with the Cagliero Project in 2010 in Cambodia. The team thoroughly support every volunteer they send to different locations and maintain a professional and local focus with all their projects. The Cagliero Project partners with their local organisations for the long term and deliver great benefit to the local partners.

The Cagliero Project does an incredible job of preparing their volunteers and continuing to accompany them not only throughout their time as a volunteer, but also beyond. Unlike many volunteer programs, the Cagliero Project ensures that their work is beneficial to all involved, and are not motivated by money or volunteer numbers, but rather the impact of presence and immersion in the community. I'm incredibly grateful to have been a Cagliero volunteer.

I volunteered in East Timor for six months. The support and care I was provided with from the Salesians and the Cagliero Project was great! It made my whole experience very enjoyable. I would highly recommend the Cagliero Project for anyone who is considering volunteer work.

I had an awesome year volunteering in Cambodia with the Cagliero Project. In my mission, I had the privilege to teach English, support students who board at the school, participate in cultural events and much more. I love the community I was placed in, and I always felt supported by the community in Cambodia, as well as by the project managers back in Australia. This experience is life-changing and I can highly recommend it to anyone!

The Cagliero Project is one of the best volunteer programs I have ever served with! I was profoundly blessed to serve at Don Bosco Technical Centre in Alafua, Samoa for 18 months and it was a life changing and enriching experience. Lauren is an inspiring director who goes above and beyond to ensure that volunteers are well supported and integrated into the Salesian Family and the communities they serve. From the application process to formation to living in the placement community, I was edified by the amazing amount of accompaniment provided which enabled me to grow and thrive. As an American, I'm heartily grateful that the Cagliero Project allowed me to partner with them and I pray God blesses them for all the good they continue to do.

I took part in the Samoa Immersion in 2010 and I can honestly say it changed my life. The staff at Cagliero are amazing and so dedicated to their work and their volunteers. You are truly made to feel part of the Cagliero family when you volunteer. The immersion was the most rewarding experience in my life and I can’t thank Lauren and the team enough for everything they do. 11 years on and I’ve made friends for life through this program - amazing! Would recommend it to anyone wanting a rewarding challenge in helping others.

The Cagliero Project provided me with such an invaluable experience that changed the trajectory of my personal life and career. I volunteered at Don Bosco Technical School in 2014. What was supposed to be a six month volunteership, turned into one year (I was just having way too much fun!). I am so grateful for the opportunities provided to be while volunteering at DBTS. There’s no feeling more special than working to enrich the lives of disadvantaged youth. I know that the students taught me more than I taught them. It was truly a blessing!

It only took me six months of being back in Australia before I realised that I had to return to Phnom Penh to live as an expat. I remained in Cambodia for an additional 6+ years where I met my khmer husband. We now have two beautiful children! Thank you Cagliero Project for bringing endless possibilities into my life!

The Cagliero Project is a phenomenal organisation that impacts so many people's lives both in Australia and in other countries. I was privileged to go on an immersion with the Cagliero Project in Cambodia and the experience changed my life. The coordinators of the Cagliero Project made the whole process from start to finish easy, they were supportive, knowledgeable and inclusive. We were trained and informed adequately before going on the immersion and all activities overseas were carefully planned and scheduled to have the most impact. If you have the chance to engage with this organisation, in any capacity, make the most of the opportunity. You won't regret getting involved and giving to communities in need.

The Cagliero Project provided me with an incredible experience where I was able to learn about another culture, other people and myself. The experience was made even better by the staff runner the immersion program.

Life changing!

Had the opportunity to volunteer as a pre-school teacher in the beautiful nation of Sāmoa to what would have been 6 months if not cut short by covid travel restrictions. Regardless of this, the Cagliero Project supported me throughout my journey even up until now almost 18 months on from when I first arrived in Sāmoa! This is a beautiful organization that gives without the expectation of receiving anything in return! I am proud to be apart of the Cagliero whānau and have made connections that I am sure will last a life time.

I took part in an immersion with Cagliero when i was sixteen, and enjoyed it so much that i spent the next couple of years annoying the director to allow me on a 12 month placement.
I've gone on to take part in more immersions and have the intention to annoy the director again, to allow me on yet another long term placement.
I can't imagine doing a long term placement overseas without an organisation that cares, and looks after it's volunteers so much, not only when they are in country, but also once they return.

I volunteered in 2018-19 with The Cagliero Project in Zambia. This was a hugely significant life experience which I'm grateful for and am reminded of almost every day. The Cagliero Project offered support and guidance every step of the way, preparing me, providing regular contact and advice and support post the experience. The Cagliero Project is a sustainable, ethical initiative which supports growth and development for both volunteers and partner communities.

This organisation truly understands the value of community engagement and fosters postive, long term relationships with overseas communities which are mutually beneficial. It goes a long way to counteract and dismantle the often problematic and oppressive trend of 'voluntourism'. Having experienced both a long term (12 months) and multiple short term immersion experiences with the Cagliero Project, I would absolutely recommend either of those programs!

I feel so fortunate to have been part of such a wonderful, organised and inspiring program. The team at the Cagliero Project ensure that each participant is placed in a country and placement that suits their skills and abilities. The constant communication and support with Australia is amazing. Above all, the experience in the placement is by far one of the greatest of my life and I will carry that with me forever. Highly recommend the program to anyone thinking about volunteering!

Malo le soifua and kia ora from New Zealand! I was fortunate enough to spend 1 year in Alafua, Upolu, Samoa in 2017 through The Cagliero Project. This was with our Salesian Community at Don Bosco Tech. At the time I was the only New Zealander to have take part in this mission project, which spans mostly throughout the Pacifc and South East Asia. Don't let this stop you, kiwis can fly too, so get that application in! What an experience! Being able to teach and serve our young men at Don Bosco was a privilege (they taught me more than I taught them haha) and the support I received from the Cagliero team was second to none. The experience has led to friendships both in Samoa and Australia which have transcended the year long mission. I am one lucky person to have experienced the loving kindness of The Cagliero Project and would recommend the experience to anyone and everyone who wishes to love and learn and support our young people! Thanks to the team for everything that they have done for me, all our other volunteers and especially our young people! Fa'amanuia o le Atua mo outou uma. Alofa tele atu, Matt.

An excellent program that gives you an authentic experience. This program provides you with the unique opportunity to become fully immersed within a culture and community abroad. After participating in a short term program in Samoa, i jumped at the opportunity to participate in the long-term program in Zambia. The programs were well organised and I was completely supported pre-departure, throughout the programs as well as receiving ongoing support upon return. I can wholeheartedly say that a little piece of my heart has been left in Samoa and Zambia. This is an experience like no other that i would definitely recommend to anyone who is considering taking up the challenge!

Had an immersion experience during 2012-2013 in Cambodia. Thoroughly enjoyed my experience and learnt a great deal. I've been lucky enough to be on their short term immersion experiences to Cambodia and Samoa too. So many good things to say about the opportunities these programs have provided me.

I had the pure joy and privilege of being a part of the leadership team for 3 Cagliero Immersions to Samoa. Truely an immersion, there was never a sense of 'outside looking in'. We connected with the community and grew together as a group. There are not enough words to express how important and special I think the Cagliero Project is. People who are drawn in anyway towards this type of experience should listen to this call and definitely explore this project further.

The cagliero project was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I was given the incredible opportunity to volunteer in Zambia, Africa.this journey shaped me as a person and would highly recommend this as a phenomenal experience for anyone wanting to volunteer or give back.