On November 29, twenty students and four staff flew to Cambodia to immerse themselves in a cultural experience and to participate in community service.
Students visited one of the Seven Wonders of the World; the Angkor Wat Temple, Kulen Mountain, local markets, and the Landmine Museum.
The group spent three days at a school in Siem Reap renovating and painting both the classrooms and the outside of the school. All students contributed to murals painted on pillars focusing on the unity between Cambodia and Australia.
The Birchip P-12 students particularly enjoyed playing with the Cambodian school children and the language barrier presented no challenge as they shared laughter and simple games.
The Birchip P-12 School group returned to Australia on December 8, very much enriched by their experience. Birchip P-12 School will continue to raise funds for the Cambodian school, and they plan to visit again in the future.
This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 13 December 2024.