On November 13th 2012, twelve Footscray City students, teachers Kellie & Mark & the World Challenge leader Charlie culminated 18 months of planning & preparation by embarking on a month long expedition to Malaysian Borneo. Here are some edited thoughts from a few of our participating students with accompanying photos. “It was a very different experience for me and definitely changed my life. Whilst being in a different country, with very different people you eventually learn to appreciate what you have at home. We ventured all over the country; from Sarawak to Sabah and everywhere in between. From our first drop off at Kuching the adventure had started and I was ready to tackle anything that would come my way. The locals were all very helpful, and made travel a lot easier. Members of my group kept me going when I was feeling down, feeling homesick and when I was physically exhausted. Climbing Mt Kinabalu was by far the hardest thing I have ever done; but reaching the top was easily my greatest achievement. Whilst looking over the edge at the peak of the mountain a sense of accomplishment was felt by my whole team. I gained a lot of skills: how to deal with stress, team building and commitment to a task. World Challenge was really a life changing experience and I would recommend it to anybody who enjoys something different, challenging and wants to see the world”. Rourk Velianovski Year 11 “For me, the month-long expedition to Borneo was absolutely incredible. I made some great friendships and developed skills in communication, organisation, and teamwork. I learnt to deal with stressful situations, and was challenged, both mentally and physically. The hardest part for me was the jungle trekking. I found that being so isolated and removed from civilization was quite mentally straining. But getting through that with the support of others made me a much stronger person and brought us closer as a group. The most rewarding part of the expedition was seeing our entire group reach the top of Mt Kinabalu, the highest point in Malaysia, at just over 4000m. With a tremendous amount of strength, we supported and encouraged each other all the way to the top of that mountain. The project in the remote village of Bario was also a highlight for me. Meeting and associating with the locals, whilst learning about their ways of life was both intriguing and invigorating. Working in the health centre for that week was a highly rewarding experience, and the hospitality of the local people was incredible. By the end of the trip, I felt that I had been through a lot but had also gained so much life experience. I now have the urge to travel again and hope to explore much more of the world.” Hannah Clifton Year 11 “Our trip to Borneo was an experience I will carry with me for the rest of my life. The skills I learned and the friendships I made will serve me well. If you had asked me 4 months ago what kind of an effect I felt the expedition would have on me my response would have been sceptical to say the least. However, since returning I would not hesitate in encouraging others to embark on expeditions of their own. From seeing the world’s largest orangutang to summiting one of the highest peaks in South East Asia, assisting in the development of a remote communities’ health clinic and simply interacting with village children I can hardly think of a more rewarding experience. Despite both physical and emotional challenges our team persevered and we became a family. Families are not groups that always get along perfectly or even well but they do look out for each other. They help push you and you help push them to be the best they can be. Families are dependable. Family knows that no matter the trials or tribulations family stick with you and that is what I have with the people who I embarked on this journey with and I could never be more grateful for anything than I am for that”. By Eamon Gough Yr12 Co-Student Leader As the reports indicate, World Challenge really does test the resolve of the students but the benefits & skills acquired makes it a life changing experience for all involved. On behalf of all involved, we would like to thank Maria Bawden & the School Council for their support throughout all the expedition & pre-planning stage. We would also like to announce that Footscray City is planning to tackle Tanzania in Africa late in 2014 so if you are in Year 9 or 10 this year & think you are up for the CHALLENGE OF A LIFETIME keep posted for further details. Mark Komp – Co-Leader World Challenge 2012
The post WORLD CHALLENGE EXPEDITION – BORNEO 2012 appeared first on Footscray City College.