A group of Footscray City College students has undertaken an eye-opening volunteer mission to Tanzania.
The centrepiece of the four-week World Challenge journey was the chance to help finish a new kindergarten in Msosa Village.
Crossing crocodile and hippo-infested rivers, chopping off chicken’s heads and surviving on porridge and stew was all part of the journey for the 18 students.
Year 12’s Shannan Osborne said planning for the trip had begun about two years ago with a series of fundraising events.
“We began by selling chocolates and holding a trivia fundraiser, and we raised about $5000,” she said.
The money went towards painting and fitting out a new village kindergarten with desks and chairs, but there was plenty of other work for the students to do on arrival.
“In the village we met all of the kids there, we did lots of painting and sweeping and finishing things off,” Shannan said.
She said the conditions in Tanzania were a shock, but the trip was highly worthwhile.
“You can’t really prepare for it, you just have to keep an open mind. I realised how lucky we are to be living in Australia with fresh water and the opportunities we have.”
Shannan said the trip had brought the students together and given them insights they would carry through life.
