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The second half of the South America Immersion 2025 has been filled with enriching experiences and unforgettable moments. Supported by Colegio Stella Maris and Colegio Cardenal Newman, this journey has deepened the students' understanding of service, solidarity, and global connection.
In Uruguay, the first stop was Los Tréboles, a centre dedicated to supporting vulnerable children and families through education, care, and social development. Here, the students connected with young learners and assisted with various tasks, including painting, gardening, and maintenance. They then visited Santa Margarita, a school funded by Stella Maris, where they supported English classes and helped with site transformation activities, bringing new energy to the growing school. This opportunity allowed them to live out their values of service learning abroad, especially alongside their global Edmund Rice Education Beyond Borders (EREBB) partners.
A significant highlight in Uruguay was visiting the Museo Andes 1972, where they learned about the incredible survival story of rugby players from Stella Maris’ Old Christians Rugby Club. They were treated to a private Q&A with survivor Roberto Canessa, who shared a powerful message of resilience and the strength of the human spirit. To celebrate new friendships, students from St Bernard’s College and Colegio Stella Maris travelled to Punta del Este, admired the coastline, and shared a final asado lunch before heading back to Montevideo for their goodbyes. The warmth, generosity, and shared commitment to an education that transcends borders from Colegio Stella Maris were deeply appreciated.
In Argentina, the journey continued with enriching experiences at Colegio Cardenal Newman. The students collaborated on various outreach initiatives, witnessing firsthand the impact of compassion, connection, and community action. At Casa del Niño Amanecer, they played games and provided academic support to children facing educational barriers. At San Agustín, they heard powerful stories of young men rebuilding their lives through rehabilitation and faith, and shared a creative moment by decorating and exchanging maté cups. At El Arca, the students engaged in interactive activities with a vibrant community of people with intellectual disabilities. At Copacabana, they supported one of Newman’s long-standing outreach programs, focusing on education and human development. At San Pedro Claver school, they toured new facilities and learned about the school's efforts in community-building and solidarity.
The final days in Argentina were filled with culture, connection, and celebration. The students experienced the life of a gaucho at Don Silvano Ranch, explored the rich cultural side of Buenos Aires, and toured the Museum of River Plate to gain deeper insight into Argentina’s football culture. They bid a heartfelt goodbye to their friends at Colegio Cardenal Newman, whose hospitality and shared spirit of Edmund Rice showed their common heart despite not always speaking a common tongue. They look forward to welcoming them to Melbourne in September for their immersion.
As they settle back home, it feels bittersweet to close the book on this year’s South America Immersion. Thank you to everyone who followed along with their journey of learning, service, and lifelong memories. ¡Hasta luego!
