2023 WILL SEE THE RETURN OF OUR MALAYSIA EXCURSION
In 2012, Port School embarked into an international relationship with Klang Special School in Malaysia. This relationship is now in its twelfth year (albeit no travel for 3 years during the Covid pandemic) and has seen 56 students embrace this humanitarian, cultural and educational excursion. We continued to support Klang School as well as homeless migrant communities through the Covid period in conjunction with Apex Malaysia.
The excursion and relationship came to being through a staff member’s association with Apex Australia, Apex Camp Jurien and Klang Apex Club. The relationship, now in its twelfth year, has benefitted students from both countries and during that period, Port has donated over $170,000 in student sponsorships as well as resources and equipment including laptops, kitchen and garden equipment and a state of the art playground. Port has been instrumental in sponsoring over 50 special needs orphan students to attend the special school at Klang for a full year. Sculptures, paintings and murals, which are proudly on display at the Klang Special School, have also been built and transported to Malaysia by Port. During the excursion, Port School students work with local children with learning difficulties and disabilities.
In 2015, Port School was awarded a Department of Foreign Affairs grant of $18,000 to bring six Klang Special School students and two Klang School staff on a trip to Perth.
In 2016 and 2017, Port was awarded a Global Apex Chairman’s Project Award for Excellence, as recognition for the work achieved and the support that had been given to Klang Special School during that time.
Students who have been on this excursion have excelled themselves and have demonstrated that they can be trusted, work hard and have fun. Planning for the Malaysia excursion commences each year at the beginning of Term 2, and it is an integral part of the school program for Year 11 and 12 students. Potential candidates must be 16 years old by September of the year of travel. This excursion offers an experience of a lifetime to ten young people each year.
The 12-day itinerary allows students to experience Malaysian cultural, sporting and artistic activities. We are also able to share some of our Australian customs with the Malaysian children. There is always time for fun and sightseeing, such as a tour of the capital, Kuala Lumpur, the Petronas Twin Towers, a canopy walk in a tropical rainforest, adventure activities in the Cameron Highlands and possibly a visit to one of Malaysia’s largest water and theme parks. The final itinerary varies each year.
Port School staff are experienced in planning and organising international excursions and have visited Malaysia several times. Most students will be travelling overseas for the first time, so there are often times of anxiety and nerves. Students must show a commitment and fully embrace the program of events leading up to the trip, both in and out of school.
Port, with the support of students, parents and the wider community, are committed to this initiative. Past students have been acknowledged for their contribution by the Governor of Western Australia, the State Premier, Education Ministers and numerous politicians and Members of Parliament.
Requirements and Eligibility
Students are required to engage in fundraising, leadership and community activities and must meet the following criteria:
- Students must be 16 years old before the excursion departs Perth in September
- School attendance must be at least 80%
- Student behaviour, attitude and work ethic must warrant being considered
- Parents/carers/guardians and students must attend an initial Malaysia information evening
- Passports and other required documentation (eg: birth certificates) must be organised with the assistance of the school
- Students must actively be engaged in all fundraising activities for Klang School, which may include raffles, Sausage Sizzles, making and selling workshop items, Quiz Nights, Musical Medley and the annual Art Exhibition
- A commitment to pay $600 per student to help cover flights, accommodation, food etc. (The total cost per student is ca. $2,300, so this is heavily subsidised)
- Families must provide emergency contacts, medical details and consent forms in a timely fashion
- Parents/carers/guardians and students must attend all the Malaysia information evenings
- Students are expected to be involved in Malaysian excursion classes, which may include lessons about the Malaysian language, money, food and culture, the planning of and involvement in fundraising events, awareness, as well as attending guest speakers
- Returning students will be considered but are by invitation only. The expectation is much higher and the commitment is greater. As well as the $600 contribution towards costs, they also must raise an additional $600 in order to sponsor a Klang Special student.
Donations
Port is always keen to gain support from parents, carers, stakeholders, local businesses and supporters either by attendance at fundraising events throughout the year or via donation. Should you wish to be a sponsor, donate or help with fundraising, we offer advertising, acknowledgement and sponsors’ rights via our website, social media and newsletters.
For more information about Malaysia and Klang Special School, please visit the following sites and watch the promotional videos of previous years:
https://www.facebook.com/port.hamiltonhill/videos/770296448118707
https://www.facebook.com/port.hamiltonhill/videos/522811933302273
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtIeLsMbfzg
https://www.facebook.com/SAMHOrg
