ROTARY’S Alternative Schoolies trip to Cambodia is leaving on 26 November and is open to students graduating from year 12.
The cross cultural visit will take the students to Phnom Penh and Siem Reap where they will volunteer for various projects.
Rotary past president Judy Rebecca said funds from a 2014-15 schoolies trip provided money for a classroom to be built, and toilets and running water installed. Students also teach English and dental hygiene, help with gardening or whatever jobs are needed.
Students also experience all of the South-East Asian country’s cultural highlights, as well as such sombre realities as the genocide museum and the killing fields, where they learn about Pol Pot’s regime and gain an understanding of the recent history of this poor country. They also visit the ancient temples of Angkor in Siem Reap, enjoy the local cuisine and have a lot of fun.
The Rotary Club of Frankston Long Island has been running this alternative Schoolies program since 2010. It has now amalgamated with the Rotary Club of Frankston Peninsula 2.0.
Ms Rebecca described the annual trip as “a fantastic life changing experience”.
The $3600 cost “includes everything”.
“Our past students are only too happy to talk about the impact these trips have had on them,” she said. “It has changed their lives.”
An information night will be held at 7pm, Monday 24 April, at Langwarrin Community Centre in Warrandyte Rd.