Ep239: The Central Coast Teacher Who Takes Year 9 Students to Build Houses in Cambodia

What happens when a Canadian psychologist becomes a high school teacher on the Central Coast and decides her Year 9 students need to see the world? That's Brenda's story, and it's the kind of thing that makes you wonder why more people aren't doing this. (I reckon you'll love this episode!)Brenda's been organising community give-back trips for her students – building houses with Habitat for Humanity in Cambodia, immersing Year 9s in First Nations culture on homeland in Cape York, and connecting kids with experiences that literally change who they are. We're talking about 24 students, 5 teachers, raising over $50,000 in 9 months, and doing all the fundraising themselves. And here's the thing: the kids who showed up weren't always the 'model students.' Some had behaviour stuff to work out. But when they got there? They totally stepped up. The stories Brenda shares – kids without passports getting on a plane for the first time, not a single one asking for their phone back while on homeland, watching a shy student lead an entire group - they're the kind of moments that remind you what education could actually be about. If you enjoy this one, please leave a comment - and I'd love it if you'd hit the FOLLOW button!Wanna check out all things Podvan? ⬇️Facebook | Instagram | FB Group | Podvan Website | YouTube | TikTokThis is a Podvan Media production.