Cultures connected

From Fiji and Lilla to Cambodia, Cape York, the Top End, Vietnam, and Timor-Leste, our students embraced diverse cultures, supported local communities, and lent a hand to organisations closer to home, making a meaningful impact wherever they went.

Fiji

Location: Somosomo

Description: Students took part in marine conservation efforts, conducting coral surveys and learnt about mangroves, planting mangrove seedlings to help prevent erosion and protect the wetland environment. Students also built fish houses designed to encourage biodiversity in the reef. These structures made from coral, shells and concrete provide shelter for marine life, promoting a healthier and more balanced ecosystem.

Description: Students took part in marine conservation efforts, conducting coral surveys and learnt about mangroves, planting mangrove seedlings to help prevent erosion and protect the wetland environment. Students also built fish houses designed to encourage biodiversity in the reef. These structures made from coral, shells and concrete provide shelter for marine life, promoting a healthier and more balanced ecosystem.

Lilla

(Note that Lilla has a stronger focus on cultural immersion than service learning)

Location: Lilla

Description: Students took part in numerous tasks in the Lilla homelands ranging from cleaning to painting to generic repairs and removal of introduced plant species.

Cambodia

Location: Kampong Chan

Description: The service project was undertaken in conjunction with a service project partner NGO, Buddhism for Social Development Action (BSDA), which works to empower and help women, children, and marginalised members of the Kampong Cham community in education, health, and income generation.

Students took part in concreting works at a local school in Kampong Chan under the guidance of local trades people.

Cape York

(Note that Cape York has a stronger focus on cultural immersion than service learning)

Location: Buru Homeland

Description: Students painted the ‘Healing Centre’ under the guidance of Traditional owners.

Top End, Northern Territory

Location: Homeland communities in West Arnhem Land

Description: Students contributed to a longitudinal service project which is designed to help with the longterm goal of creating sustainable environments for every community in the Kakadu and Western Arnhem land regions. The students participated in the ongoing maintenance and repair of an orchard and edible garden that can help create a cheaper healthier way of living which continues to give, season after season.

Vietnam

Location: Remote Muong Village in Mai Chau

Description: Under the guidance of local trades people, students contributed to a locally led development scheme which involved the building of a road within the village. This road will better enable reliable access to and from the village by vehicles especially during the wet season.

Local Connections

Location: Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula

Description:

• Salvos Northside Community Centre – Students learnt about the service provided by Salvos Northside and students assisted with practical hands-on tasks such as food preparation.

• Our Village (Formerly Geelong Mums) – Students learnt about the service provided by Our Village and students assisted with practical hands-on tasks such as putting together clothing packs.

• Cottage by the Sea – Students learnt about the Cottage by the Sea’s mission and what that looks like in action. As they were preparing for another group of children who would be staying with them for their holiday program; students were able to help clean the playground area and set up some fun activities.

Timor Leste

(Note that Timor-Leste has a stronger focus on cultural immersion than service learning)

Location: ‘Encouragement House’, Maliana.

Description: Students worked as mentors to the Timorese students and supported the English curriculum that was being delivered by their Timorese teacher.