TACKLING the Kokoda Track, working with Leprosy survivors in Thailand, and helping with maintenance at an orphanage in Fiji – six students from the Moree district extended themselves in character building opportunities during the October holidays.
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The life-changing experiences were part of adventure, leadership and service programs at The Armidale School, where they are all students.
“Walking the Kokoda was an extremely challenging experience, and while it didn’t rain much there were still places that were extremely slippery and challenged most of the group,” Nicholas Corderoy of ‘Miandetta’ Moree said.
“All the villages were so different to here. There was no electricity or hot water and their homes were open to mosquitoes and other bugs.
“But despite all of this, they were still extremely grateful for what they had and there was always a sense of energy and happiness amongst them which was second to none.”
Nicholas was joined by Bailey Simmons and his father Brendon of ‘Strathdoon’ Moree, Angus Earle and his father Andrew of ‘Dingadee’ Mungindi, and 10 others from the TAS community on the trek.
Angus said the opportunity to walk the trek with his father was “a good bonding experience”, and the group were fascinated by the history of the Kokoda campaign.
“It helps you to get an understanding of what the Australian soldiers went through as they fought off the Japanese,” he said.
Meanwhile in Thailand, Bailey Bourke and Ellen Coote (‘Neringla’, Watercourse Road) assisted with service work at the McKean Rehabilitation Centre for Leprosy sufferers, and an orphanage called Agape.
“Agape was a home to HIV positive orphans, where we would work during the morning and then have play time with the kids in the evening,” Ellen said.
“Playtime consisted of football, waterslides, swimming and drawing.
“The days typically involved hot hard work then a spicy lunch before much more painting.
“On alternate days a group would spend some time at Leprosy centre weeding, mowing lawns, making bracelets, and pruning gardens.
“Honestly at times the service trip was confronting, but made us all appreciate our lives in Australia and just how lucky we are.”
Oliver Cook from Moree also undertook service work, at St Christopher’s Orphanage in Fiji.
“We scrubbed walls and painted fences and their church; to be able to help the Sisters who run the home maintain it was really appreciated,” he said.
“We spent time getting to know our buddies, and learnt that you don’t need physical objects to be happy like these kids are.
“It was nice to be able to help out.”
