Kirsty Sword Gusmao is a former student who, in her 20s, became an undercover agent for Timor-Leste’s resistance movement.

It was there that she met and fell in love with Xanana Gusmao, a man jailed by Indonesian authorities for leading a Timor-Leste resistance group.

In 2002 Mr Gusmao became the first president of Timor-Leste.

Ms Sword Gusmao now lives in Melbourne with her three sons, but still has strong ties to Timor-Leste.

Eaglehawk PS principal Fiona Lindsay said it was great that Ms Sword Gusmao was able to share an inspirational message with the kids.

“She was just beautiful, the way she gave her time to the kids. And as she was leaving she gave me a hug, a kiss and her card so we could keep in touch,” Ms Lindsay said.

“She wanted to tell the kids that an ordinary person who has goals, like helping other people, can do extraordinary things.”