Over the school holidays, an intrepid group of 18 Year 10 Newhaven College students volunteered their time by engaging in conservation work in the Kinabatangan River area of Borneo.
The group was accompanied by teachers, Fiona Smart and David Prideaux. The College partnered with World Challenge, an organisation that provides experiences for participants while making a positive impact in international communities.
World Challenge trips are student-led, where student teams are put in charge of the budget, decide where to eat, organise daily activities, run daily meetings and ensure everyone is safe and accounted for.
The trip began with the first five days in Kota Kinabalu, where the students became familiar with the city and its landmarks, went stand-up paddleboarding, and spent a day snorkelling, experiencing coral reefs, sea turtles, and even saw a shark.
The project work was to help the local area of the Kinabatangan River to plant grasses and trees and clean up the river. The students worked extremely hard in the heat and humidity to make a real difference.
The trip ended with a visit to the Orangutan and Sun Bear Conservation areas, which was an incredible experience for the students. With the money raised, they have sponsored Agop, an orphaned orangutan and Fulong, a sun bear, for three years.
Principal Tony Corr says of the trip, “It was so encouraging to see many of our young people take up the opportunity to travel to Borneo as volunteers during their holidays. It is a testament to these students that they would make this commitment. The work they do whilst overseas is beneficial to the community they visit, but it was also a wonderful learning and life experience for the students who participated.”
The team included Piper O’Brien, Aisha Hibbert, Jemima Fraser, Milla Walker, Brianna Turton, Jack McCrimmon, Evie McClimont, Lewis Sumaru, Ethan Rhee, Ashley Weisse, Harvey Kirk, Inez Parmington, Genevieve Titmarsh, Archer Cameron, Cormac Flynn, Maxwell Jess, Zoe Paterson and Sam Scott with teachers Fiona Smart and David Prideaux accompanying.
Student Maxwell Jess said of the experience, “I was sceptical about going, but I'm so glad I went. I made friends and memories that will last a lifetime. We experienced so many cool things that you wouldn't see or learn with your family.”
Fellow student, Harvey Kirk, reflected, “It was truly humbling to experience another culture. Seeing their strength and endurance under difficult circumstances opened our eyes to just how good we have it. The least we could do was lend a helping hand and bring home the invaluable lessons and values gained, like co-operation, curiosity and empathy.”
Accompanying teacher, David Prideaux, said, “Apparently, teenagers are meant to be hard work, but these kids made the trip so fun and entertaining. I am lucky to be part of a school where teachers, parents and students are mutually respected and respectful. I guess that was the idea!”
For more information about World Challenge, visit their website worldchallenge.com.au
