It was a life-changing experience for a group of Springwood High School students who spent more than two weeks exploring and volunteering in Cambodia.

The 14 sixth formers enjoyed an action-packed itinerary during the 16-day Challenges Abroad trip, which saw them spend time in the cities of Phnom Penh, Battambang, and Siem Reap, as well as visit Pu Long village, the island of Koh Trang, temples, the S21 Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, and the country’s infamous Killing Fields.

Accompanying the intrepid students was our Head of History, Chris Whitlam, along with Georgia Littlemore, Head of Drama at the school, which is a member of the West Norfolk Academies Trust.

“Students spent one week touring Cambodia, including seeing river dolphins in the Mekong River, trekking in the Cambodian jungle, and sites associated with the Khmer Rouge regime,” he said. “Most spectacular was seeing the sun rise over Angkor Wat.

“The second week was spent in the Challenges Abroad Hub at Battambang, where students prepared lessons to deliver to a local school.”

It was the fourth time students from our school had taken part in the trip, which included a four-day FutureSense Foundation community project, where they delivered workshops on sustainable waste management and environmental responsibility to Cambodian school children.

There was also plenty of time to soak up the country’s rich culture and history, as well as to experience its diverse wildlife, with opportunities to see turtles, Irrawaddy dolphins, and a bat cave, jungles, waterfalls, rivers, mountains, and lakes.

Among the many other highlights were visits to the world-renowned temples of Angkor Wat, Baya, and Ta Prohm; a trip to a coffee plantation; tours of each of the three cities; and introductions to the Khmer language and traditional dance.

Group member Lyndon said: “This trip opened my eyes to new cultures around the world, as well as allowing me to explore remarkable temples and landmarks. When we went to the partner school, we helped enrich the children’s knowledge about helping the environment. This showed us first hand the impact that education can have on a small community school.”

Classmate Isla agreed: “This once-in-a-lifetime experience has taught me so much about the world, the importance of spreading awareness about the environment, and also about myself. I have gained a plethora of new amazing memories, whether that be completing a jungle trek or playing musical statues with one of my classes.

“I have also developed so many of my skills, gaining so much confidence and growing my leadership skills. I had the best time, and signing up was genuinely one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”

Mr Whitlam added: “Trips like this are incredibly important for students’ cultural awareness, as well as knowledge of events such as the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge regime.”