Northside Christian College was selected to represent World Vision Australia overseas on a mission trip to Cambodia. In March, a team of 6 Northside students and 2 teachers embarked on an incredible opportunity to experience firsthand the impact World Vision has on a global scale, witnessing how they change the lives of those most vulnerable. 

Across 3 field days, we were taken to a variety of area programs, seeing how World Vision uses the funding to educate families and communities, firstly in agriculture. We saw a variety of farms - bok choy, chicken and mushroom farming - and even got to plant seeds and pick mushrooms. Many of the people we encountered shared their testimonies, explaining how World Vision has transformed their lives due to the education they were provided, enabling families and communities to create independent livelihoods by providing knowledge and equipping them with the skills needed to farm.

Whilst it’s hard to pick one highlight, the most special moments for me were both meeting my sponsor child and visiting a local school. 

Meeting the little girl across the globe made the relationship that I have with her all the more real. Creating connections and learning about her home, family and school-life was invaluable, to know that whilst our lives are vastly different, we can still relate to each other. Knowing that this sponsorship is reaching beyond her but into their entire community was inspiring, and highlighted the importance and widespread impact.

On the final day, we had the pleasure of walking through a Cambodian school, and participated in a lesson and lunch service. But perhaps the most special moment for each of us was blessing them with gifts and playing games outside in recess. The giggles and pure joy on these kids' faces were priceless! And a memory that will stay with me for a lifetime. 

As well as seeing all these things, we experienced an entirely different culture. From driving on the other side of the road with little regard to road-rules, to not speaking the same language and eating wacky and wild foods, we were fully immersed. What stood out most was the warmth and generosity of the Cambodian people we met through World Vision. Despite having so little, they expressed gratitude for the support they received, which was both humbling and inspiring.

We have seen God’s hand at work through many people we encountered, and thank Him for this opportunity and guidance on this trip. It is our prayer that this will reignite the passion and importance for missions at Northside after having witnessed the global impact firsthand. 

Danielle S

Missions Vice-Captain, 2025