A group of Point Cook students wrapped up the past school year tackling a humanitarian project in Cambodia.
Seven students from years 10 and 11 at Point Cook Senior Secondary College travelled to Siem Reap in Cambodia for a cultural tour, and also built a “peace house” for a local family.
The materials for the house were purchased with $2000 raised by the college community.
Students on the trip dug into their own pockets to pay for electricity and other essential household items.
Assistant principal Chris Mooney said the family for whom the house was built had been chosen by the Buddhist monks of the Life and Hope Foundation, selected on the basis of their extreme poverty.
“After arriving in Siem Reap, the group [of students] spent a couple of days touring the world-renowned temples in Angkor,” Mr Mooney said.
“For the time they were in Cambodia, the students ate local cuisine and learned about the history and culture through their guide.
“The house they constructed was located in a village called Meanchey Commune, in the Prasat Bakong District,” he said.
“Highlights included playing with the village children, working with the monks from Life and Hope, sharing lunches with the villagers, and the handover ceremony after the house was completed.”
Mr Mooney said the experience had a positive impact on students, and the school hopes to make the trip an annual event.
