Gunnedah girl Amelia Dunlop is swapping suburbia for island life as she takes part in a cultural service program in Tonga.
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The 16-year-old was joined by local girls Breanna Thomason and Lucy Chaffey, and 13 other students from Carinya Christian School, Tamworth, as she left Australia’s shores on Monday.
Carinya has been participating in the overseas cultural service program for around 15 years, partnering with Tapunisiliva High School in Mua.
The Year 10 and 11 students had an orientation day in the city of Nuku’alofa today and will attend a bazaar tomorrow which raises money for the island’s schools.
The Australian team took over practical resources such as hammers and sanders so the schools can use the materials to make furniture for the classrooms.
Amelia said the students would be billeted to families in pairs, allowing them to become fully immersed in the Tongan culture.
Despite the likelihood of cold showers and dirt floors, she said she was excited about the nine-day adventure.
“Seeing somewhere different, seeing somewhere outside of Australia, seeing how other people live over there,” she said.
“And going on a plane.”
The students will spend time at Tapunisiliva High School each day and try out the basic Tongan phrases they have learnt.
“Kids are better at [English], but it’s not very fluent,” Amelia said.
The Carinya team will fly back into Australia on Tuesday, October 4.