By Denise Sharon Cahill, Western Suburbs Weekly
A GROUP of St Mary's Anglican School students have returned from Vietnam with stories to tell after taking part in a program that involved working with communities in developing countries.
Twenty girls embarked on the World Challenge expedition last month, spending time on projects with local communities as well as trekking through rugged landscape.
Floreat student Annie Aitken (15) said while the trip was physically and mentally demanding, she had felt “privileged” to be part of the program.
“An experience like the one I had is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and the skills and qualities I have gained are such a reward for the effort we all put in, preparing for the trip and while on the trip,” she said.
“Just to do something for people who have nothing was a great feeling, but the best part was interacting with the lovely people and babies who have nothing, yet always manage to have huge smiles on their faces.”
Grace Hooper (16), of Wembley, said she enjoyed visiting one of the country's orphanages.
“It was a really rewarding experience to be over there. I felt it really made a difference to the people's lives,” Grace said.