Immersion Program
This week, our Year 11 students Heidi and Lila continued their formation and preparation towards the Cambodian Immersion in August this year.
We travelled to the Academy of Mary Immaculate to join with the rest of the group. Students presented in groups on the research that they had prepared about Cambodian culture. Heidi’s group taught us about the History of Khmer Rouge and Pol Pot’s dictatorship, as well as its lasting impacts on Cambodian society today.
We learned about local cuisine and the differences between Cambodian dishes and other south-east Asian cuisine. We were intrigued to learn that “Nyam bai” is the verb used to say “to eat” but literally means “to eat rice”, such is the importance of rice in Cambodia.
Lila’s group talked about Cambodia’s cultural practices and festivals including the Tum boon baa – blessing of a house, which we will be part of at the completion of our house building project during our trip. We learned about the traditional Apsara dance which connects people to their history, religion and traditions. We were then able to learn a few moves of traditional dance with a guest Cambodian teacher.
Lauren Marquet
Mercy in Action Leader