At the end of 2024, 24 students and five staff members from St Paul’s Collegiate School embarked on a service trip to the Flame centres in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Reconnecting with the staff of Flame, led by Executive Founder Sue Hanna, was a heartwarming experience. The students were welcomed by the vibrant culture and people of Cambodia. The staff team worked meticulously to prepare for the trip, addressing both logistical aspects and the emotional and spiritual challenges of the group. This thoughtful planning allowed the team to function cohesively and resiliently, despite the physical and emotional exhaustion faced.
Each day began and ended with briefings and debriefings, fostering a supportive environment for processing their experiences. This practice proved invaluable, allowing us to navigate the difficult realities we encountered—from the stark living conditions in the slums to hearing the haunting stories of the Killing Fields.
Special moments and highlights
Engaging with the Path Programme: Meeting and connecting with more than 150 Cambodian teenagers over two nights was an incredible cultural exchange that left a lasting impression on both the students and their new friends.
A Day at Kampot River Resort: Thanks to the generous support of the Parent Association, the group enjoyed a memorable day with the Flame students outside the city. This was a time of shared joy, laughter, and reflection in a beautiful setting.
Christmas Celebration: A new addition to the programme saw students hosting a Christmas party for more than 200 Flame students. A bilingual, interactive Nativity play, complete with makeshift costumes, tinsel, and balloons, brought the Christmas story to life in a hilarious yet deeply moving way.
The culmination of our journey was a final dinner where students and staff shared personal reflections. It was evident that each participant returned transformed, challenged, and inspired by the experience.
Yet, the true essence of this trip lay not in the physical contributions but in the personal growth it fostered. Flame’s mission to cultivate future leaders resonated deeply with the students, inspiring a commitment to becoming agents of change. This journey not only impacted those it aimed to help but also strengthened the students’ sense of purpose and values. Once again, Cambodia and Flame left a lasting impression, shaping perspectives in meaningful ways.
The trip was completed safely, with no major incidents and only minimal illness. Using higher-quality accommodation providers helped reduce health concerns, allowing students and staff to fully engage in the experience. The well-prepared staff team—Deborah Keep, Angela Bromwich, Jet Lin, and Josh Howard—played a crucial role in supporting participants’ health, safety, and well-being.
A highlight of the trip was reconnecting with the warmth and vibrancy of the Flame centres as the students were welcomed into these dynamic communities. Daily interactions with Flame students provided invaluable opportunities to build relationships, share cultures, and gain a deeper understanding of life in Cambodia.
From arrival in Phnom Penh to the final farewell, students and staff were challenged and deeply impacted by the experience. The stark contrasts of life in Cambodia were confronting—the oppressive heat, the overwhelming sights and smells of the slums, the harrowing stories of the Khmer Rouge genocide at the Killing Fields, and the resilience of young Cambodians determined to build a brighter future. Despite these challenges, students embraced the experience with commitment and respect, engaging enthusiastically in teaching activities, community projects, and youth programmes, consistently demonstrating the values of St Paul’s.
The 2024 Cambodia trip was a truly life-changing experience for all involved. The opportunity to work alongside Flame Cambodia, witness resilience in action, and contribute to meaningful change is an unparalleled privilege. The students returned home with a deeper sense of empathy, gratitude, and a commitment to becoming future leaders and changemakers. The support of the Board, school leadership, and parents made this experience possible, and for that, the school community is deeply grateful.
