Cambodian experience [by Australian students]

LENDING A HAND: One of the stilt houses built by the Hennessy Catholic College contingent who travelled to Cambodia last month.

Barbecues in Young, Cootamundra, Harden, Grenfell and Boorowa, a monster raffle, a high tea and fashion parade and an evening with Nathan Lyon were just some of the fundraising activities supported by the students, parents, school staff and the general community. 

Money raised was used to buy the materials to construct the three houses and to assist by way of a donation to the orphanage.

Upon his return to Coota, Jason Baldock, a parent and builder who travelled and assisted in the building project said he intends to travel back to Cambodia at Christmas time with his whole family. 

“It is important we do all we can to help the Cambodian people,” Jason said.  

The Cambodian Immersion Program of 2014 was an incredible experience that has left lasting memories for the group. More importantly it has inspired this group to continue to make a difference in the lives of others.

FIVE Cootamundra students and one parent helper from Hennessy Catholic College recently returned from an eye-opening trip to Cambodia as part of the ‘2014 Cambodian Immersion Program’. 

Going on the trip were Sam Baldock, his father Jason Baldock, Aimee Kostrubic, Dhavindi Perera, Georgie Sutherland and Lily Tiernan.

The entire experience was designed to offer an opportunity for students and staff to engage in social action by assisting those less fortunate in the global community.

Hennessy director of mission Nicole Morton said “As we re-contextualise our Catholic identity, it is imperative that we provide our students and staff with a multitude of opportunities to explore their faith in a real and meaningful way.”

The Coota contingent were amongst 35 students, three parents and four staff who travelled to Cambodia.

This immersion program allowed participants to make a difference in the lives of the Khmer people and to provide a real-life experience for students to better understand the world in which they live in.

The program involved building three stilt houses for families living in poverty in Siem Reap. It also involved visiting an orphanage in Phnom Penh run by the Missionaries of Charity (the same Catholic Religious Order founded by Mother Teresa).

The Cambodian Immersion Program provided our staff and students with an opportunity to get out into the streets to make a difference in the lives of others.

The students raised more than $15 000 prior to travelling to Cambodia.