Late last term, two of our Year 11 students, Megan and Georgia, took part in the Geelong Kokoda Youth Program, an experience that challenged them to step outside their comfort zones and develop valuable leadership and life skills. After months of training and preparation, they travelled to Papua New Guinea to complete the iconic Kokoda Track, learning about the sacrifices made during World War II while discovering their own strength and resilience. Now back at school, they share some of the highlights, challenges and lessons from their remarkable journey.
After a competitive selection process earlier this year, the students joined a group of 23 participants on a 10-day expedition along the famous Kokoda Track. While they anticipated a demanding journey, the reality of the steep terrain and challenging conditions quickly became apparent.
“When we first started walking, it seemed fairly flat, and then all of a sudden it just went straight up. We didn’t really know what we were in for,” one student reflected.
Despite the physical challenges, including long days of climbing, descending and navigating difficult terrain, every participant completed the trek. The group learned the importance of teamwork, encouragement, and looking after one another.
“We made sure nobody was left behind. If someone needed a break, we all stopped. We learned a lot about teamwork.”
One of the most significant aspects of the journey was meeting the local people and communities of Papua New Guinea. Both students spoke about being inspired by the positivity and gratitude of the children they met.
“The kids over there don’t have a lot, but they were some of the happiest people we’ve ever met. It really made us appreciate what we have.”
The students also experienced an extended break from technology, spending more than a week without their phones. What initially felt unusual soon became one of the most valuable parts of the trek. “It was actually really good not having our phones. We spent more time talking to people and being present in the moment.”
Beyond the physical achievement, both students recognised how much they had grown in confidence and resilience.
“We’ve all changed. Looking back to when we did the interview earlier this year, I think we’d be much more confident now. The trek taught us that we can keep going even when things are hard.”
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The Kokoda Trek is more than a walk-through history. It is an opportunity to develop leadership, resilience, gratitude, teamwork and self-belief. Our students represented the College with pride and returned with experiences and lessons that will stay with them for life.
Congratulations to Megan and Georgia on this outstanding achievement, and we would encourage future students to consider applying for this unique opportunity should it become available in the future.
Michael McCallum, Year 11 Wellbeing Community Leader
