TRIP COMPLETED!
After months of organising, fundraising and researching, the Lorne P-12 College VCAL students finally made it to Santa Teresa, Alice Springs, to what has turned out to be a life changing experience. For most of us, this was the first time we had been to Central Australia and the first time we had stayed in an Aboriginal community.
After the long drive through the red desert to Santa Teresa, we quickly immersed ourselves into the local school’s program. Throughout our stay we embraced the Aboriginal culture with respect and interest. Over cooking, craft, the equine program and shared stories over a desert sleep out, we have made strong and lasting friendships.
By having this heart connection with the Santa Teresa community, we felt a strong desire to give back. We are now planning a week in October for the Aboriginal students to come and experience what Lorne has to offer. For many, it will be the first time they have seen an ocean let alone travelled so far.
Through this dynamic, integrated VCAL program we have linked in with the community, both local and wider. Organisations such as Bendigo Bank and Colac and Torquay Rotary clubs, not to mention our wonderful locals,have made all this possible. From this connection, we have grown emotionally, academically and have been exposed to experiences that have demanded teamwork, flexibility, commitment and celebration. All real life, work ready and employable skills. We thank you all for your support and welcome new partnerships as we prepare for our guests later in the year.
Read our travel blog to find out what we did each day.
Also check out our slideshow below of photos from the trip.
HORSE RIDING PROGRAM - SANTA TERESA MEDIA
Thank you to Santa Teresa Media for including us in your amazing video on the Santa Teresa Horse Riding Program.
SANTA TERESA TRIP
The Lorne P-12 College VCAL group consist of 9 students whom strive to make a difference. We all live in the small coastal tourist town of Lorne on the famous Great Ocean Road in Victoria. Our adventure will consist of the travel to and from the remote indigenous community of Santa Teresa, experiencing the local way of life, developing strong relationships between the communities, and participating in a collaborative project to benefit the people of Santa Teresa.
The aim is also to have some students from Santa Teresa visit Lorne later in the year to see the perspective of a Lorne local.
The two regions are approximately 1,840km apart and the lives and opportunities of someone
living in Lorne is very different to that of Santa Teresa.
The aim is also to have some students from Santa Teresa visit Lorne later in the year to see the perspective of a Lorne local.
The two regions are approximately 1,840km apart and the lives and opportunities of someone
living in Lorne is very different to that of Santa Teresa.