When Lauren Kempe told her parents what she planned to do instead of the traditional end of year 12 schoolies celebrations, they were almost in tears.
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The All Saints College St Mary’s Campus student will not be sunning herself or partying on the Gold Coast with her peers. Instead she will be in Cambodia, volunteering with fellow students at an orphanage.
Lauren, 18, is proud to be part of a team of nine St Mary’s year 12 students selected for the opportunity and the adventure of a lifetime.
Proud dad Rod Kempe told the Mercury his heart melted when his daughter expressed her aspirations for the end of school.
“After a lot of thought, I felt I would get over the whole traditional schoolies trip in about four days,” Lauren said.
“So I decided instead to go somewhere where I can have an impact on a community in a positive way.”
There was an interview process to go through before students were selected.
“Determination, a willingness to work hard, do some fundraising and the ability to work together – they are the qualities needed for this trip,” Lauren said.
“For the past couple of years I have had this idea about helping children in other countries at underprivileged schools.
“This trip to Cambodia will allow us to work with orphans and build houses, teach sport and English and music.”
Lauren was inspired by a fellow student who had also been to Cambodia.
“She told me about her excitement at being there and explained how it had changed her life.
“I saw it from her perspective, I saw the photos, the good times she had helping the children in Cambodia.
“It is something I have to do. I like the idea of working with children and helping them where I can.”
During their two-week visit, the students will stay in Phnom Penh and travel to communities to work with children each day.
For one week, the students will be treated to tourist sights and experiences.
“My expectation is this will be the opposite environment when compared to being at school and travelling on a regular holiday,” Lauren said.
“The people in these villages work hard and I will see the other side of life.
“It will show me how things work in other parts of the world, it will stay with me forever and change me as a person.”
Lauren, like many other Maitland students, has grown up with everything she needs and considers herself to be privileged.
Her love of music, singing and English will serve her well during her time in Cambodia.
“All we take with us is a back pack filled with toys, sports equipment, classroom resources and gifts for the children, many with a disability and special needs,” Lauren said.
So far the students have raised $4000 through fundraising events, all of which will go to the school in Cambodia.
“We have had a movie night, which was well-supported by the community, a barbecue at Bunnings, sold chocolates and collected cans and donations at school.”
There are two young men and seven young women in the group, which leaves for Cambodia on November 22.
Cambodian Alternative Schoolies Program involves nine students and three teachers from All Saints College, St Mary’s Campus, Maitland, travelling to Cambodia to volunteer their skills and services in schools and communities.
