Josephian Annual - 2019 | Page 87

LEARNING JOURNEYS
IE Rugby ( Krabi , Thailand ) The SJI Rugby team travelled to Krabi , Thailand for our IE trip this year . The trip revolved around service , experiential learning and advocacy towards the environment . We kayaked through the mangrove river of the Thalane Region of Krabi , navigating through small river inlets , limestone canyons and caves , villages as well as mangroves . This kayaking expedition opened our eyes to the threats the mangrove ecosystems face in the 21st Century . The team learned more from the careful observation of animals and mangrove trees . In line with our mission of mangrove conservation , we headed out to a plantation where we experienced mangrove planting . The activity was extremely challenging as we sunk kneedeep into the mangrove mud , making it nearly impossible to walk . But once we were down and dirty in the mud , planting mangrove seedlings with positive mind-sets , the experience was an incredible mix of team bonding and eco-conservation .
IE SJIMB ( Bangkok , Thailand ) As part of our service trip , the band went to a province of Thailand called Saraburi , which is located near the outskirts of Bangkok , to visit Wat Klong Sai Primary School . Over the course of the 3 days , the SJI military band along with our teachers , instructor Utt and our guide Mr Chayak , helped the students and the villagers out in whatever ways we could .
In the village , we helped to construct a “ learning hut ”. In the school , we taught the children the importance of eating properly and recycling , and also carried out a few fun cultural exchange activities with them , while learning about Bamboo Dancing . Although we went there to serve and teach them , we learned much more from the Thais . The villagers showed us so much kindness and made us smile . We were greeted with kindness everywhere we went and it was an amazing feeling .
Completion of the learning hut
Planting mangrove seedlings
Bandsmen interacting with the students through fun activities
He ain ‘ t heavy , he ’ s my brother
JOSEPHIAN ANNUAL 2019 87