Fulfilling Lives

SIMON FINNIGAN, DIRECTOR OF EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

The Fulfilling Lives program of 2024 was more than just a school initiative; it was a journey of discovery, connection, and transformation.

Spanning 187 students, 32 staff, 11 groups, and 8 diverse locations – both local and international – the program offered experiences that challenged perspectives and forged lifelong memories.

Through their experiences, students immersed themselves in cultures, histories, and communities that reshaped their understanding of the world.

Whether they were mentoring Timorese peers at Encouragement House, painting a healing centre in Cape York, or planting mangroves in Fiji, these young people embraced opportunities to make a tangible impact while learning about resilience, teamwork, and the value of relationships.

In every location, a unique story unfolded. In Timor-Leste, students stepped into a history rich with resilience, witnessing the joy and hospitality of people who thrive on strong connections rather than material wealth. In Vietnam, they helped build a road that would transform village life, ensuring reliable access even during challenging seasons. Each destination brought its own challenges and rewards, and for many, the program proved to be not just an educational experience, but a deeply personal journey.

The Fulfilling Lives program doesn’t just teach students about other cultures; it also teaches them about themselves, fostering personal growth and friendships that will echo far beyond their school years. It is not merely a trip – it is a transformative chapter in their lives.

Timor-Leste was a new program for 2024. It was quite unlike anything the students imagined it to be, and it certainly was not an experience they will ever forget. The close friendships they made with the local people and with each other were unexpected and authentic.

The first two days were spent in Dili, Timor’s capital. During this time students developed a feel for their new home for the next 12 days. They learnt about the history of TimorLeste, absorbing over 500 years’ worth of Timorese history, comprised of both Portuguese and Indonesian colonisations, liberties, civil wars, and at last peace.

Following Dili, the group travelled to Maliana and the home of ‘Encouragement House’ a boarding house for Timorese students. The group were traditionally welcomed and then went about their work supporting the teaching of English to the students of ‘Encouragement House’. This was reciprocated through the teaching of Tetum, the most commonly spoken language in Timor Leste.

Throughout the week in Maliana, College students visited local rivers, farms and markets, all accompanied by the students of Encouragement House. The group took part in singing, dancing, volleyball and other games and attended a local church service.

‘By the end of the week, we had truly connected with the people in ‘Encouragement House’ – we felt like we were saying goodbye to old friends. The last day in Maliana was an emotional one as a result. We had such an incredible time in Maliana, one that we will never forget’, recalls one of our students.

Towards the end of the program, students noted how happy the local people were, despite having minimal material possessions. Instead, they valued relationships with each other and looked to create strong and positive friendships whenever they could – this included their visitors from Geelong and the group was made to feel like they were part of a larger family.

The Fulfilling Lives program incorporates a wide array of learning opportunities where students not only come to understand the culture, history and geography of an area but in some cases the socio-political influences that have shaped a community or indeed a nation.

Students also developed resilience, teamwork, and self-confidence. They were able to get to know peers in their cohort they may not have had much to do with before – which, alone reaps benefits upon their return to school life.

The skills our students develop are invaluable for personal growth and will serve them well across all aspects of life.