Click here to see the 2017 trip to Papua New Guinea
A popular option over the past five years has been the visit to the Martyrs Memorial School in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Brighton Grammar has had a relationship with Martyrs Memorial School since 1963.
The Martyrs Memorial School is in Popondetta, a remote community of PNG. Approximately 600 children attend the school and all staff and children live on site. The facilities are very basic and money is tight – if, in November the money runs out, then the school closes for the year and everyone goes home.
Each group of BGS boys who take this opportunity are assigned a major project to enhance the infrastructure of the school. Projects in recent years have included building stairs and store rooms, painting, and installing a computer network. Not only is this an outstanding opportunity for our boys to learn some carpentry skills and how to work hard to complete a task in very hot and humid conditions, but it also gives them first-hand exposure to the poverty other communities live in and the difference they themselves can make.
Upon their return home, boys from previous trips have always expressed how satisfying it was to have done the work and they seemed very moved and humbled by the gratitude of the local people – not to mention how impressed they are by their kindness, humour, athleticism and generosity.
However, the trip is not all about hard work. Each group is greeted with a thrilling welcome by body painted dancers followed by an afternoon tea and dinner provided by the School. The boys also play sport together with the local children, explore the jungle, swim, and take expeditions to various Australian war sites.
Note: Due to the remote location of the camp and inaccessibility of medical facilities, it is strongly recommended that students with serious medical conditions such as anaphylaxis, epilepsy, diabetes or other do not attend this journey. All immunisations must be up to date for boys to travel to PNG.
Note – program cost: $3,300
Further information (PDF)