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Our Year 11 students who participated in this year’s Timor-Leste Immersion have returned home safely, enriched with unforgettable memories and meaningful experiences!

This Immersion builds on Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ’s long-standing partnership with communities in Dili, Baucau and Viqueque through the Geelong Viqueque Friendship Schools (GVFS) network. Students engage deeply with local schools, community organisations and faith communities, gaining valuable insight into the history, culture and contemporary realities of Timor-Leste.

To begin the trip, the group visited the Resistance Museum, where they learned about Timor-Leste’s struggle for independence and the significant role of the Church of Saint Anthony of Motael. They were introduced to the church’s history as the site of a funeral and subsequent march to Santa Cruz Cemetery, events that preceded the 1991 Santa Cruz Massacre.

They then attended Mass at the Church of Saint Anthony of Motael. The service was so well attended that they joined many parishioners in sitting outside the church.

After their time in Dili, the group made their way to Viqueque. On the first morning with an early wake-up call from the local roosters, the students made their way to Uamori School, where they worked hard teaching English to the primary school students. They did an outstanding job, and we all agree there may be a few future teachers among them! We were excited to share our 70th Year Anniversary badges and pens with the community!

On the final day of the trip, the group left Baucau in the morning and visited the Good Crocodile, a clinic where women from surrounding villages can access essential maternal care. The clinic provides essential care for the communities, running a mobile unit that visits neighbouring villages, giving vaccinations and postnatal check-ups.

Our students fundraising efforts meant we could provide a donation to help the clinic’s important work. Chloe had the honour of presenting multivitamins and paw paw cream, kindly donated by Lara Pharmacy, at the request of the clinic.

The return journey to Dili offered stunning views, with picturesque coastal landscapes, mountains, and rice paddies lining the way. The day concluded with a refreshing swim and a final dinner together in Timor-Leste, marking a special end to their time away before an early night ahead of their flight home.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this trip such a success!