Serving Across Cultures

During the September holidays, Year 9 students embarked on life-changing Service Learning trips to Vietnam, Cambodia and Central Australia, immersing themselves in diverse cultures while contributing meaningful support to local communities.

The Vietnam contingent's journey tested their adaptability, with severe flooding forcing a complete reshaping of their itinerary, but as teacher Mr Sjoerd van den Bosch reflected, the 16 students responded with resilience and bright spirits.

"The students were inclusive, friendly and full of positive energy," he said. "Above all, we thank them for choosing to be part of this service journey, giving their time, energy, and heart to help others."

After exploring Hanoi's bustling streets, visiting Hoa Lo Prison and the Temple of Literature, the students headed to stunning Ha Long Bay, kayaking through calm waters and spending a fun night aboard a boat complete with an on-board pool."

Due to the poor weather, the students’ service work relocated to Ninh Binh, where they completed an entire concreting project for a local high school's bike park in record time. The hours of physical labour they contributed only deepened their fulfilment.

"Meeting the children and seeing firsthand the impact our service had on them,” was the most impactful element of the trip for Annabel. “It made the whole experience feel genuine and meaningful," she said.

Skye particularly valued the reception they received: "We were welcomed into the villages and schools with open arms. Even while wearing concrete-stained clothes and working in the heat, the smiles on people's faces made every effort worthwhile."

The trip coincided with Tết (the Mid-Autumn Festival), offering students a window into Vietnamese culture at its most vibrant. As Annabel observed, "Vietnam was such a beautiful country, with busy streets, amazing food, and really nice people. It was special to see how strong their sense of community is."

The Cambodia group's ten-day journey combined detailed historical learning with hands-on community service. Beginning in Phnom Penh, the students confronted the country's difficult past through visits to Tuol Sleng Museum and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, before touring the Royal Palace. "Going to Vietnam, we immediately got the impression of how strong their culture is. Seeing the celebrations for the Mid Autumn Festival and spending time in the classrooms showed us how rich it is. Overall, the trip was filled with memories we will never forget," said Heidi.

The heart of their service work took place in Kampong Cham, where they spent four days building a wooden house for a local family. Working alongside local builders and tradesmen, students assisted with flooring, cladding, concreting and painting. The project culminated in the creation of an impressive dwelling and a memorable handover ceremony, blessed by a local monk.

Beyond the building site, the students on the Cambodia trip immersed themselves in village life and participated in the final celebration of Pchum Ben, a significant religious festival, which provided invaluable insight into Cambodian customs and traditions. The funds raised before departure enabled the students to purchase essential household items for the family, demonstrating the comprehensive nature of their support.

The journey concluded with exploration of Siem Reap's ancient wonders, including sunrise at Angkor Wat and the carved faces of Bayon temple, before students tested their bartering skills at the famous night markets.

The Central Australia expedition offered a completely different but equally transformative experience. Students spent nine days immersed in Indigenous culture, beginning with a welcome to Mparntwe (Alice Springs) by members of the Bloomfield family, Traditional Owners who shared their connection to Country.

Living on-country for several days in the East MacDonnell Ranges, students experienced the intergenerational transfer of traditional knowledge in an organic, unscripted environment based on community needs. They slept under the stars in swags and woke to spectacular desert sunrises.

In Alice Springs, the group contributed to Indigenous-owned and operated youth services, supporting culturally-led activities such as food preparation and traditional Indigenous art-making that bridged the gap between traditional and contemporary worlds for local youth. It was hands-on work that demonstrated the strength and impact that one family can have on an entire community.

The adventure also included exposure to the incredible beauty Central Australia which made for a stunning backdrop to physical challenges such as the six-kilometre Kings Canyon Rim Walk, with the opportunity to see 400-million-year-old sandstone formations, and a hike in the Valley of the Winds at Kata Tjuta. The students concluded their days watching the sunset transform Uluru's colours.

These Service Learning experiences exemplified Wenona's motto, Ut Prosim, that I may serve.  As Mr van den Bosch noted, these were "unforgettable experiences, and powerful reminders of the impact we can have when we come together to make a difference".