From December 5 to 16, ten participants from Marist Youth Ministry (MYM) embarked on an immersion experience in Cambodia. This initiative was a collaborative project between MYM and Australian Marist Solidarity (AMS) with Taylor Lemmon, an International Programs Officer with AMS, playing a key role in the program.
MYM invited ‘Expressions of Interest’ for the immersion, and applicants underwent a selection process led by Justin Golding, National Leader, and Jenifer Miller, Sydney Regional Marist Youth Ministry Coordinator. The team carefully interviewed candidates from across the national Marist network, including some who were not former students of Marist schools.

To be eligible, participants had to have completed their schooling, with at least one year since their graduation. Additionally, they were required to provide two referees who could speak to their work ethic and character to help assess their suitability for the program.
MYM was thrilled to lead this group of young adults on its first immersion experience since COVID-19 restrictions were lifted!
Following is an account written by one of the participants, Takoda Cheng, alumnus of St Patrick’s Marist College, Dundas (graduated 2023).

The immersion started as early as July with monthly Zoom meetings; meeting other participants, breaking the ice and sharing our interests. Some meetings were more informative and educational from guest speakers, and made us more excited for the journey ahead. Before we knew it, people were flying from interstate to meet at the Marist Centre in Mascot - finally meeting everyone without a screen between us!

We started the day in Sydney with a liturgy led by Jeni Miller, focusing on the intentions of an immersion and receiving our polos from Br Peter. This was followed by lunch and exploring key places to Australian Marists - where conversations sparked and relationships formed with ease. The bonding continued while exploring Sydney and sharing our first ‘family’ meal together at dinner before our flight the next day.

From the 5th-16th December, we engaged in the immersion into Cambodia: a journey into another culture and deeper within ourselves. The trip started in the capital, Phnom Penh, visiting the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and The Killing Fields. We were left bewildered learning about the torture and killing methods committed at each location - even more at Tuol Sleng, which had once been a high school. Our hearts sank and went out to the Cambodian people who endured such atrocities. It made me reflect on the protection of human rights, the preservation of peace and security - how our responsibility and actions as a collective must be for the betterment of all.
It made me reflect on the protection of human rights, the preservation of peace and security.

Continuing our Phnom Penh visit, we visited La Valla School, playing and sharing with dozens of students, some of which had physical disabilities. From the moment we arrived, the children were smiling, hugging and taking us to explore their school - emanating pure joy. I had the privilege of pushing one of the students in a wheelchair - running, turning quickly and making loud car noises as we toured the school.
From the moment we arrived, the children were smiling, hugging and taking us to explore their school, LaValla.

It melted my heart and widened my smile seeing how much fun the group was having racing around the school, laughter filling my ears as we zoomed past other groups. It was inspiring to see how physical disability didn’t limit any of the student’s confidence or ability - if anything, amplifying their beautiful personalities and massive hearts. Their unconditional love left me in tears as we said our final goodbyes, making myself a promise to come back and continue smiling until I do.

The immersion continued into the remote city of Pailin where we had the pleasure of teaching English at the Marist Education Centre. We were accompanied by 2 Marist volunteers from Spain - Nico and Boni, rotating between their classes for the time we were there. The Spanish guys were not only excellent teachers, but also developed deeper connections with the children - playing with them during breaks, learning all the student’s names and creating a soccer team.
Their unconditional love left me in tears as we said our final goodbyes, making myself a promise to come back and continue smiling until I do.
Their dedication to helping people on another side of the world, with no expectation of repayment, ignited a spark in some of us - aspiring to come back when we finish our own studies and continue their work. During the breaks, some students would embellish the girls’ hair with hand picked flowers from around the school, while others invited me to a high jump game with a rope made with rubber bands.

They called me over to join them, yelling “Brother! Brother, come join!” - which I couldn’t say no to. With each jump, they would raise the rope until no one could make it anymore - cheering everyone with each jump. I adored the student’s attitudes to everything while we were at MEC - their willingness to learn in the classroom, coupled with their creativity for games left my heart burning to approach life just like them.
They called me over to join them, yelling “Brother! Brother, come join!” - which I couldn’t say no to.

The fun continued at the hostel with the high school students - playing and dancing with them for Friday night festivities. With varying English and Khmer knowledge, we communicated with actions, facial expressions and dancing to overcome the language barrier - with smiles as a natural translator between cultures.

The immersion encompassed heart wrenching history, unconditional love and a collection of kind, inspiring and remarkable individuals throughout our journey of Cambodia. From teaching the students to partying with them, we all took away something to incorporate into our own lives. Throughout the trip, we formed a special type of relationship within the group; Bella, Carla, Dan, Elise, Gabby, Gracie, James, Kristy, Tash, Jeni and Taylor. Without such loving, supportive and passionate individuals, the immersion wouldn’t have been so life-changing for everyone.
The immersion encompassed heart wrenching history, unconditional love and a collection of kind, inspiring and remarkable individuals throughout our journey.

Whether it’s being more grateful for our education, developing a love for children or reflecting on our own communities - everyone brought something back home as motivation to continue the work we started in Cambodia.

Written by Takoda Cheng
Pic Courtesy: MYM
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