We have 22 very excited people in our community right now! Four staff and 18 students are in the final stages of preparation for our first international Service Learning tour since the pandemic. The group is heading to Bali on Saturday 22 June for ten days in partnership with the Bali Life Foundation.
Service Learning Tours Administrator, Donna Wilson (pictured right during the last Bali tour)
, is organising the tour and attending as one of the four staff.
“We’re delighted to be heading overseas for the first time since 2019. We were booked for 2020, but sadly events led to us being forced to cancel. Now in 2024, we’re returning to Bali Life Foundation with whom we have a long-standing relationship,” said Donna.
“We support their orphanage as well at the Kuta Street Centre and Suwung Community, and this year we have engaged Five Pillars Experiences to support us in doing work focussed on sustainability, environment, and community.”
The 18 students were chosen after a rigorous application and interview process, with 26 expressions of interest from students at both campuses. Donna explains the selection criteria for joining the tour.
“Students needed to articulate a passion for service and have some service history carried out at the school or wider community. It is essential to be self-motivated, to be able to use their initiative, work well in a team and have an interest in the global concerns facing community and the environment,” said Donna.
The four staff attending each have specific reasons for wanting to be part of the tour and bring valuable personal experiences with them.
Donna is especially committed given her past experience with the Balinese community.
“We have seen the impact of the tours and the school’s engagement first hand. Our fundraising helped to build a new Kuta Street Kids centre which we will visit this year. Ongoing support is vital for non-government organisations locally and abroad because there is not government support such as we have in first world countries,” said Donna.
Aidan Johnstone, Assistant Dean, Alethea and Maths teacher from Duncraig has a depth of knowledge and experience dealing with those with disabilities.
“This tour presents a unique opportunity for our students to gain eye-opening experiences and support those in need. I am beyond excited to be a part of it!” said Aidan.
Carramar Head of Biblical Studies, David Bosma, has travelled through Asia and has a strong Christian faith that leads him on the journey of service. “We are in a blessed situation to be able to assist and it is an overall growth experience for students. I’m very happy to be part of this important tour,” said David.
Lauren Fox, who teaches Year 6 at the Duncraig campus, has a strong commitment to the Service Learning program and is focussed on raising awareness of the issues faced by the people of Bali. “Service Learning is beneficial to our students because it helps them to become better global citizens as well as compassionate community members at home,” said Lauren.
The students are equally excited and have been fundraising to help fund work while in Bali.
“I’m excited to be part of the first tour post pandemic,” said Year 10 student Mahli Dwyer. “I’m really looking forward to meeting the children that we will work with at Bali Life.”
Zari Reed, who is also in Year 10 is looking forward to the experience. “I want to see another side of Bali that the tourists don’t usually see, and I want to be able to have an impact and build relationships, “ said Zari.
“By educating ourselves about Balinese culture and the peoples’ needs we are in a better position to assist those in similar situations in the future,” said Tahnee Coates. “I really want to show people we care by putting our fundraising to use on establishing a new facility where there is a need.”
Olivia Robinson is looking forward to the personal engagement aspects of the tour. “I’m interested in meeting the children at Bali Life Foundation and Five Pillar disability home, Happy Hearts,” said Olivia. “The food, learning about another culture. Making a difference.”
We wish them all well for this life-changing experience and look forward to hearing about their impact when they get back.