Teachers and students from Cobram Anglican Grammar School, St George’s Anglican Grammar School and John Wollaston Anglican Community School recently returned from a 16-day Service Learning trip to Samoa during the Term 3 school holidays. The group collaborated with local students and immersed themselves in the island’s culture and beauty to gain new perspectives and memories of incredible experiences.
“The first week had more of a cultural aspect; the students saw a coral nursery and assisted with coral planting, much the same as one would do with plants but slightly more delicate,” said Ms Lena Olsen, an Education Assistant at St George’s Anglican Grammar School who attended the trip.
“We ate local food, watched traditional dancing and visited the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum and grave. We also got the chance to enjoy some beautiful beaches and other popular sightseeing spots.”
Most of the second week was spent at All Saints School, where ASC students, in groups of three or four, helped in classes and taught students activities they had planned prior. Some students taught several unplanned sessions, showing terrific initiative and enhancing their adaptability. One of the highlights for local Year 4 and 5 students was a trip to the swimming pool, where they had a quick swimming lesson and played water games led by ASC students.
“Seeing our students interact and teach was amazing. The school and its resources are so limited, so all our help was very much appreciated,” Ms Olsen said.
‘The Samoan children absolutely loved having the ASC students in their classes and there were lots of hugs and tears when the week was over.’
Student Perspectives
Matilda, a student from Cobram Anglican Grammar School, reflected on the positivity of the Samoan people: “One thing I took from the trip was the positive attitude of the Samoan people. Wherever we went, we could smile and wave at anyone and they would always smile back, regardless of how they felt. I think this really impacted me, and the Samoans’ attitude to life has encouraged me to be more positive within my day-to-day life,” she shared.
Matilda also found working with Year 4 students at All Saints School deeply rewarding: “All the students and teachers were very welcoming and were extremely eager to get to know us. It gave me a new perspective as to how other people live and learn, and how lucky we are to have access to the supplies we need.”
Evalee, also a Cobram student, described one of the challenges she overcame and learnt from during the trip: “Working with the children was a bit confronting at first, trying to handle all the little ones, but building a connection with each child was definitely the most rewarding thing about being with them.”
The experience taught Evalee the importance of gratitude: “A lesson I can take from this trip is to be more grateful for the little things in life, and such a small act can really change someone’s life for the better,” she noted.
Indi, a St George’s student, cherished her stay at Lalomanu Beach. “My favourite activity was staying at Lalomanu Beach for two nights in an open, shack-like structure looking out onto the beach. It is owned by our tour guide Tanu’s family, who were all extremely welcoming and kind.”
Marcus, also a St George’s student, described the trip as unforgettable: “Samoa was such a culturally different yet fun experience, and I especially enjoyed making new lifelong friends and matching with Tanu! Time spent at the school with local children was incredible. The temptation to fly back is crazy!”
Dusty, a student from John Wollaston, summed up their time succinctly: “‘It was a trip of a lifetime and an experience I will never forget!”
