About

Where are we going?

Davao, Philippines

Participants - Why am I going on this immersion?

Ann-Marie Law

During this period, after all my exams have finished and before I decide what uni to go to, I believe this immersion will be able to provide me with perspective on the world. This immersion will allow me to experience a new culture and to challenge myself mentally and physically. It is a way for me to give back to others who are doing it tough and for me to get a deeper appreciation for what I have.

Belinda Figueira

My parents arrival in Australia and the life they set up for me here is the greatest gift i could have ever received from them. However this lifestyle has made me ignorant of the poverty that exists outside Australian borders and until i see it for myself i do not think i will truly understand. I chose to go on this immersion for a life-changing experience and a chance to place myself outside of my comfort zone. Whilst I understand it will be a challenge I look forward to meeting new people and creating memories that will remain with me long after the completion of this immersion. At this point in my life having just completed high school I hope that this experience will help me make the crucial decisions that lie ahead.

Siobhan Reader

I have decided to go on the immersion to the Philippines as I think it will be an amazing experience. Not only will I be able to experience the culture but also be able to learn some of the language. I think the immersion is a great way to be able to begin the new chapter in my life after 13 years of school. As well as being able to see what the Marist Fathers and Sister have established over in the Philippines to help the children who with out them they would have nothing. As I think the trip will allow me to grow as an individual as I will be faced with many challenges like language barriers and poverty.

Mrs Carly La Rossa

When Mr Dumas approached me regarding my interest in participating in the Immersion, I was quick to respond with a 'yes'. I have already travelled throughout parts of Asia and witnessed the poverty and disadvantage of certain communities there, but this has only ever been at a very superficial level. I felt that this Immersion to the Philippines would provide me with the opportunity to move beyond my comfort zone and to truly experience the reality of another's existence. This includes not only the poorer people that we will encounter, but also the Marist Fathers and Sisters who have devoted their lives to Christian service in ways that I can only imagine. Lastly, I also wanted to participate because I admire what Siobhan, Ann-Marie & Belinda are doing and believe that this will have a lasting impact on their lives. I anticipate that the impact will be the same on mine!

Mr Andrew Dumas

It has been my dream for a long time to run a Post School Immersion. I believe just following school is the best time to do an immersion. Just before university starts, and before we step out in the big wide world as adults an immersion offers something quiet different. We are going to see people living in very harsh conditions. Not just see them but come into contact with many thousands of very poor people. As we do this, we will meet some Marists - both sisters, fathers and lay people living out their Christian life in a very different context. My hope is that bridges will be built in the hearts of the people who go and the people we meet. So that when we return we might remember who these people are. These people matter. That our lives are now shaped in the hope that we bring in who we are as people.

Please pray for Belinda, Ann-Marie, Siobhan, Mr Dumas and Mrs La Rossa that they might find Jesus in the people they encounter.

Who are we going to see?