The duo giving schoolies a good name

While most schoolies are keen to get the party started after the HSC exams, Alexi Piovano and Adam Hegedus had other plans.

TOP MARKS: Schoolies Alexi Piovano and Adam Hegedus on the road as they walk from Bondi to Byron Bay to raise money for a school in Timor-Leste. Picture: Photo: Contributed

WHILE most schoolies are keen to get the party started after the HSC exams, Alexi Piovano and Adam Hegedus had other plans.

The Sydney pair from Waverley College decided to walk from Bondi to Byron Bay, a trip of around 758km, to raise money to build and contribute to a school in Timor-Leste.

The duo were inspired to undertake the arduous journey after visiting Timor-Leste with a school immersion group. Alexi said they were moved by what they experienced, which inspired them to think of a way to raise money to help.

"The disparity between education standards shocked us, and it's an injustice to humanity if nothing gets done," he said.

"We realised we would have lots of time on our hands, and it would be a good thing to do something and help out the local people."

The original aim was to raise $10,000, which they quickly passed, and now hope to reach $15, 000. They plan to travel back to Timor-Leste next year to pass the money on to established programs and ensure it is being spent on helping improve the education of the local children.

After leaving Bondi on November 7, the pair passed through the Clarence Valley earlier this week and expect to reach their final destination in the next few days. Over their journey they have experienced some tough times, but that hasn't stopped them.

"We started off doing 47km days, but now we are rewarding ourselves with 27km days," Alexi said.

"It does still sound tough, but trust me after doing 50km in a day, 27km is nothing.

"The aim, our vision, is pivotal in keeping us going, thinking of the Timorese and what we want to achieve pushes us to keep going."

Originally published as The duo giving schoolies a good name