YEAR 11 students from Bishop Druitt College (BDC) recently returned from a 16-day cultural immersion tour to Cambodia.
The trip had a focus on service, as well as building global awareness and a broader understanding of history.
The tour began in the capital Phnom Penh, where students visited the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center, both of which document the brutal Khmer Rouge regime which killed approximately two million Cambodians in the mid-to-late 1970s.
Accompanying teacher Mrs Rachel Watson said the visits helped students understand Cambodia’s recent past.
“The students showed real empathy and respect at every site,” Mrs Watson said.
“They engaged thoughtfully and learned deeply about history and its human impact.”
The historical program also connected with the research of BDC teacher Mr Mick Klipin, an awardee of the Premier’s History Teachers’ Association History Scholarship.
His work examines the Ho Chi Minh Trails and focuses on the impact of the Vietnam War on civilians in Cambodia and Laos.
Mr Klipin has been taking year 11 groups to Cambodia for more than 20 years.
“Service learning” was another key element of the tour.
In Ratanakiri province in northeastern Cambodia, students assisted with English lessons for children at Krou Yeung School.
They also ran activities in sport, dance, chess and cooking, building friendships with local children and teachers.
Continuing on to remote and mountainous Mondulkiri, the group visited an elephant and wildlife sanctuary, trekking through protected jungle habitat and learning about conservation challenges.
Swimming and hand-feeding the elephants proved to be a highlight.
“Swimming with the elephants and feeding them was such a magical experience,” said student Caroline Mostert. “I will remember it forever.”
The group also completed a practical project at a rural kindergarten, moving sand and pouring concrete in an attempt to reduce flooding at the site.
The group later travelled on to the tourism mecca of Siem Reap, where they explored ancient temples of the Khmer Empire.
They also visited the Tonlé Sap – the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia – to learn about the lives of lake communities.
“I will never forget the kindness and hope of the children we met,” said student Ruby Flynn.
“This trip taught me so much about gratitude, resilience and respect.”
By Kate PYE
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