The group was accompanied by an expedition leader from World Challenge.
What made this tour unique, was that the pupils were responsible for the logistics of the trip. They were accountable for the budget and had to make the necessary country travel, accommodation and activity arrangements. This allowed them to not only learn new skills, but also emphasised teamwork, problem-solving and thinking ahead. The various leadership roles within the teams were rotated to allow members to gain valuable experience.
The expedition was designed around
four main pillars:
• Planning and preparation
• Trekking
• A community-service project
• Rest and relaxation.
During the trekking phase, the team undertook a four-and-a-half day trek in the mountains around Lang Bian Dalat. This was a tough journey with many climbs that were designed to physically challenge the pupils, but also to reward them with a sense of accomplishment and confidence, once completed. The group thrived in this environment and many boundaries were extended.
The team then took an overnight train ride to the capital, Ho Chi Minh City to begin with the community service. They embarked on a project at a language centre where individuals focussed on teaching English to the community. The centre is run from a Buddhist monastery and does not charge any student fees, which creates a need for infrastructure work and teaching aids.
The group decided to teach classes, refurbish a classroom and create new teaching aids.
This involved cleaning the area, painting educational murals on the walls and producing various interesting aids that the students and teachers could use in future. The team also donated funds for essential computers too.
Then it was time for rest and relaxation and the group decided on snorkelling at the coastal town of Nha Trang and a boat trip among the floating markets on the Mekong Delta.
The pupils came back with new skills, an appreciation for life, as well as wonderful memories.
