Learning Through Service: Students Gain Perspective on Vietnam and Cambodia Tour

A Journey Beyond the Classroom

A group of Kinross Wolaroi School students and staff recently returned from a powerful educational and service tour through Vietnam and Cambodia - an experience that challenged perspectives, deepened understanding and fostered compassion, gratitude and global awareness.

Designed to connect directly with Stage 5 and Stage 6 History and Studies of Religion learning, the tour gave students the opportunity to experience first-hand the people, cultures and historical sites they study in the classroom.

Exploring History First-Hand

Students visited significant historical locations including the Vietnam War Museum, the S-21 Prison in Phnom Penh, the Killing Fields, Angkor Wat and important Buddhist temples and cultural landmarks throughout the region.

For many students, confronting the realities of war, genocide and poverty was deeply confronting and thought-provoking.

“The Vietnam War Museum, specifically learning about the effects of Agent Orange, really stayed with me,” one student reflected. “I realised how little I previously understood about this period of history and how devastating its impacts still are today.”

Service That Made a Difference

Alongside these historical experiences, students also participated in a meaningful community service project in Cambodia, helping to build a new toilet block for families in a small rural village.

For many, this became the defining moment of the tour.

“Building the toilets in Cambodia was incredibly eye-opening,” one student shared. “It really made me appreciate how good my life is in Australia and not to take anything for granted.”

Another student reflected, “I felt like I was really making a hands-on difference to the way that families will live.”

Building Empathy Through Experience

The tour was coordinated by Dianne Chappel, Head of History and Religious Education at Kinross Wolaroi, who said the experience was designed not only to enrich students academically, but also to foster empathy, resilience and global citizenship.

“The tour was intentionally designed to challenge students,” Ms Chappel said. “Many had never travelled overseas before or experienced Southeast Asia. They were confronted with different cultures, cuisines, crowded cities and difficult histories. Through these experiences, students grew in understanding, empathy and gratitude.”

Students embraced the challenges of unfamiliar environments and formed strong new friendships along the way.

“Travelling through Cambodia and Vietnam taught me that I am more independent than I realised,” one student said.

Another reflected, “This trip opened my eyes to how lucky and safe we are in Australia. It made me realise how differently everyone lives, but also how happy people can be, even when they have very little.”

Strengthening Global Citizenship

The tour also aligned strongly with the Round Square ideals of service, leadership and international understanding, reinforcing Kinross Wolaroi’s commitment to developing compassionate and globally minded young people.

Parents praised the tour for the profound impact it had on their children.

“Zoe had an amazing time and has really grown in independence whilst away,” one parent wrote. “Beautiful memories made.”

Another shared, “Thank you so much for providing a thoroughly enriching experience for Oscar and his peers. He soaked up so much from this trip.”

Memories That Will Last a Lifetime

Students returned home with unforgettable memories - from cycling through Angkor Wat and Ninh Binh, to celebrating Cambodian New Year with locals, to the meaningful connections formed with people and communities along the way.

“We hope students carry these experiences with them long after they leave the School,” Ms Chappel reflected. “Not only the memories, but also the empathy, tolerance, gratitude and understanding that come from seeing and serving the wider world."

Developing Compassionate Global Citizens

Through opportunities like these, Kinross Wolaroi School continues to empower students to step beyond their comfort zones, engage with the world meaningfully and grow into informed and compassionate global citizens.

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