Great Scot - The Scotch Family Magazine - Issue 151 September 2017 GreatScot_Internal_Sept_2017_FA | Page 31
Cambodia
immersion
During the Term 2 holidays, 27 Year 11 boys
travelled to Cambodia for two weeks, which
included working alongside local builders to
help build a house for two families in a small
community on the outskirts of Phnom Penh.
We found it hard to communicate with the
locals due to the extensive language barrier
between us. This made a ceremony extra
special where, through an interpreter, we had the
opportunity to express our feelings and gratitude
towards the families, skilled workers and other
Cambodian volunteers.
Many of the boys who went on this trip
developed an understanding of how lucky we are
to have access to education and attend such a
fine school. Although we might be more privileged
than a lot of the people we met in Cambodia, we
discovered through getting to know the locals that
this does not mean we are superior.
A large amount of people in Cambodia are
bilingual. This impressive skill enables some of
these people to better their lives in business and
social and global settings. In one instance when
the boys visited Samrong. Johnny Bate was
impressed by the wit and English speaking skills
of the kids he was working with.
During the second week we visited Siem Reap
and learned about the Khmer culture, and visited
some of the historical landmarks such as Angkor
Wat temple, the Genocide Museum and the Killing
Fields.
Boys in Year 10 can apply to be a part of
the Year 11 Cambodia Immersion. For more
information contact TIC Immersion, Mr Michael
Waugh: [email protected]
WILL LYONS – YEAR 11
www.scotch.vic.edu.au Great Scot
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