By Derek Schlennstedt
On 22 June, 13 year 10 Monbulk College students left Australia for Cambodia, to participate in the World Challenge.
While in Cambodia, the Monbulk students worked with The Cambodian Rural Development Team to improve the living standards of an impoverished rural community on the island of Koh Thnot.
They made their contribution by digging and installing water lines, and by connecting houses in the village to water for the first time. Students worked together alongside the local people to complete the job in 38-degree heat, using only basic equipment.
The Monbulk further explored Cambodia by trekking through the jungle in Raranakiri and boating down the Mekong River, where they’re were able to observe the Irrawaddy Dolphin – an endangered species with only 90 known animals left in existence.
When asked about his experience, Cooper said that his favourite part of the trip was the homestay on the island of Koh Thnot.
“Getting to know the family – even though the language barrier was difficult, it would make you so happy to make a connection with them, even if it was just through one word.”
“It also gave me a lot of insight into how different life can be.”
The preparation was just as important as the trip itself, with students covering their expenses by holding multiple fundraisers including trivia nights, plant sales, sausage sizzles and even selling their own artwork.
The World Challenge is a program that promotes ‘transformative travel experiences’ for students, enabling them to explore the globe and experience a way of life entirely different to their own, while completing community-development work.
Monbulk College has been participating in the World Challenge for 7 years.
