OVER the school holidays, an intrepid group of Newhaven College students from Years 10 & 11 volunteered their time by working at a rural Cambodian school. The group was accompanied by Principal, Tony Corr and Prep teacher, Fiona Smart. The College partnered with Projects Abroad, an organisation that provides experiential education for participants while making a positive impact in communities.
The students supported the Vihear Sour Primary School, located about 40 kilometres east of Phnom Penh. The school is under-resourced, with classes of over 40 students in very basic and hot conditions. It was quite a change from the comfort of their own school in Phillip Island, but the warm greeting each morning from the young students and the rewards found in hard work outweighed any discomfort. The students made a substantial contribution in their time there. They helped renovate some classrooms and taught English to some very enthusiastic young students. Some of the lesson plans the students created will even be adopted by some of the local teachers.
Student Kadek Humphries (Year 10) said of his experience “Volunteering in Cambodia has been incredibly fulfilling. It has given me a chance to make a difference in the community, connect with different people and develop valuable skills. I have absolutely loved it.”
Tilly Stecher (Year 10 agreed.
“Having the ability to make such a significant contribution to these kids’ lives and their education has been such a rewarding experience”.
Grace McCrimmon (Year 11) added, “This has been an incredible experience. Working in the classroom and seeing all the kids every day has been a highlight. Having made a positive impact on their learning is such a fulfilling feeling”.
Matilda Abraham-Williams (Year 10) summed up the feelings of all the students “Projects Abroad has given us the most amazing opportunity to give back to others less
fortunate. I will forever remember these beautiful kids.”
In addition to the work in the school, the students had the opportunity to experience the culture and visit many of the sites of Cambodia. This has included visits to street markets, the Royal Palace, witnessing Khmer boxing, a Buddhist water blessing, a cruise on the Mekong River and a tour of the S-21 genocide museum. The final days of the trip were spent in Siem Reap, where students rose before dawn to visit the world-famous Angkor Wat Temple.
Principal Tony Corr says he would like to see this trip offered to future Newhaven students.
“Our students are so lucky to have the fortunate life they have in Australia. To travel to a disadvantaged part of the world and to experience the challenges these communities face, and then to be able to assist through volunteering whilst here, is so beneficial to the young people who have participated. I am sure it will be of great value for them in their lives for many years”.
For more information about Projects Abroad, visit their website projects-abroad.com.au.
