This write up was completed by Zoe, Year 8. We are incredibly proud of her for this thoughtful reflection on her experiences.

Easter in the Philippines

This Easter holiday was very special as I spent it in the Philippines with my family and friends. It was full of amazing experiences, time in nature, and seeing the work my mum does through her charity.

Opening a School Library

One of the highlights was visiting Bulata Elementary School for the opening of a new library. Last year we visited the school and found out they did not have a library, so my family decided to help by fundraising through my mum’s birthday.

It was incredible to go back this year and see the finished library. The children were so excited, and I felt very proud to be part of the opening and cut the ribbon with my brother.

Danjugan Island and Wildlife

We also spent time on Danjugan Island, a beautiful wildlife sanctuary where my mum’s charity works to protect nature and support local communities.

I went snorkelling and scuba diving and saw so many incredible things like colourful fish, coral reefs, giant clams, and sharks. One of the most special moments was watching baby sea turtles hatch and helping make sure they safely reached the ocean.

Visiting Local Communities

We visited communities connected to my mum’s charity work, where people showed us their daily lives and livelihoods such as jewellery making, gardening, and fish farming. It was really interesting to learn how these projects support families and communities.

Family Time

We also spent lots of time with family and friends, going dolphin watching, exploring the mountains, and enjoying lots of delicious food together. It was a really happy and fun part of the trip.

Reflection

Overall, this was an unforgettable Easter. I learned so much, saw amazing wildlife, and experienced the importance of conservation and community work first hand.

I am already looking forward to going back next year.