Instead of attending Leavers Week after finishing their Year 12 exams, a group of students from Santa Maria College went on a mission trip to Cambodia.
In December, 18 Year 12 graduates and two staff members spent 10 days in Cambodia, taking part in the school’s first overseas service immersion trip.
The group helped the Sisters of Mercy in Siem Reap to make wheelchairs for locals affected by landmines, as well as building toilet blocks and planting mango trees for the villagers. They also visited an orphanage in Phnom Penh.
On their return to Perth, the girls spoke highly of their time in Cambodia during a presentation for Santa Maria College.
Participant Grace Grier said the experience has given her a greater appreciation for what she has.
“Some areas of the trip were quite confronting, but at the same time allowed us to develop our knowledge and experience of the world,” she said.
“The trip overall allowed us to gain independence and to see the world from a different perspective. Seeing families that have close to nothing showed me how insignificant material goods really are.”
Teacher Dianne Valentine said while some of the girls attended Leavers’ prior to the mission trip, many of them chose the latter in preference to the notorious week of parties and celebration.
“The intention was to offer this trip as an alternative to Leavers and with future trips we hope this will become a reality for us,” she said.
The Santa Maria science teacher said the girls were keen to learn about Cambodia’s history and how it has impacted on the lives of its citizens.
“They commented on the resilience of the Cambodian people and the way in which they were so warmly welcomed into their homes,” she said.
“As is the case in many voluntary situations, the girls felt they gained as much out of this trip as they gave.”
Seeing the students in an unfamiliar environment was a unique experience for the teachers. “They were often placed well outside their comfort zone yet, to their credit, these young women responded positively to each new adventure,” Mrs Valentine said.
“Many of the girls are now at the stage of their lives where they are seeking a connection between their school-based activities and what is on offer as they head to university or work. This program aimed to provide this link.”
The Cambodia Volunteer Program will take place again in December.