Habitat for Humanity Service Trip

14 September 2024 | Cara Haley

Armed with chisels, shovels and enthusiasm, eleven Moama Anglican Grammar students and three teachers can claim they built a house in Cambodia during their winter school holidays, leaving their mark halfway across the globe. As part of the International Habitat for Humanity (HFH) program, they immersed themselves in a two-week adventure that combined hands-on building with cultural exploration, impacting both themselves and the communities they served.

Habitat for Humanity is a global non-profit organisation that seeks to eliminate poverty housing by providing affordable shelter. The student’s service journey began at home, with weeks of fundraising for the building’s resources. The experience went beyond just building homes, as the students witnessed firsthand the power of community and the difference that can be made when people come together for a common cause.

Upon arriving in Cambodia, the students were greeted with vibrant local culture and immediate contrasts from their familiar surroundings. They spent their initial days exploring local temples, navigating bustling markets, and learning about traditional Cambodian life. Riding in tuk-tuks offered a glimpse into daily commute, Cambodian style, while visits to sites like the Angkor Wat and Bayon Temple provided historical context.

The real work began as the students collaborated with local families to build a home from the ground up. Working with locals of Siam Reap and the homeowners, students learnt valuable life skills that cannot always be taught in a classroom, building hope, teamwork, compassion and commitment to serve others.

“The work was challenging, but immensely rewarding,” said student Cara Haley. “We mixed cement, laid bricks and saw the physical results of our efforts come to life. More importantly, we built relationships with the local community and gained a deeper appreciation for the resilience and warmth of the Cambodian people.”

The final days of the trip were spent exploring more of Cambodia’s cultural heritage. The students also contributed to the local community by volunteering in the kitchens on the building site preparing traditional high-protein meals made from frogs and crickets.

The two-week experience concluded with a house ‘hand over’ ceremony, smearing baby powder over their faces as part of Khmer traditional celebrations, a gesture of goodwill and friendship as well as showering the partnering family with lotus flower petals.

The trip was not just about building homes but also about building connections and hope. The ceremony was filled with laughter and joy, with students’ interactions with the community extending beyond construction, including playing a friendly game of tug-of-war, soccer and exchange of traditional dance steps, including the Australian classic the “Nutbush”.
Student Alex Hehir reflected on, “how humbling it was to see the gratitude of the community and to connect with local children through games and shared experiences”.

Returning to Australia, the students carried with them a renewed sense of purpose and a deepened commitment to service. The experience has inspired them to continue their involvement in service projects, both locally and globally, reinforcing the idea that every act of kindness contributes to a larger movement of positive change.

By sharing their experiences, the students hope to inspire others to engage in similar service initiatives, whether in their own communities or beyond. Together, we can build a better world, one act of kindness and service at a time.