These July school holidays, in partnership with Flores Village Partners, 12 of Kolbe’s Year 11 and 12 students travelled to Flores, Indonesia, for a 10-day immersion experience. Since its inception, Flores Village Partners has raised over IDR 1 billion to support these communities, with the Kolbe community’s ongoing generosity playing a significant part in that achievement. Guided by the example of Jesus and our patron, St Maximilian Kolbe, the group of students lived alongside local families, lending a hand wherever it was needed and immersing themselves in Florenese life.
Having attended Flores previously as a student, I found a highlight was witnessing these students’ first encounter with the community at Matago Christian College, where each traveller was gifted a handwoven sarung featuring their name. The sheer emotion on each person’s face was heartwarming to see. Other highlights included planting seedlings, celebrating two students’ birthdays, and attending the opening of the brand-new Matago Junior High School, a milestone made possible by years of Kolbe’s support for the Flores program.
For many students, the trip offered a profound shift in perspective. Year 12 student Ariana reflected on this, saying, “I learnt that happiness doesn’t come from material goods or wealth, but instead through genuine human connections and interactions.” College Captain Sophie echoed this sentiment, describing how watching daily life in Matago reshaped her understanding of what matters most, and asked to describe the trip in three words, Year 11 student Abbey said Flores was “fulfilling, unforgettable and eye-opening”.
Students returned home with a renewed appreciation for community and connection, carrying with them memories, friendships and lessons that will last well beyond the trip itself.
“If I could speak to a student considering the next Flores Immersion Tour, I’d tell them to just go for it. You never know when an experience like this will come around again, and you’ll never know what you’re missing out on unless you go. You grow closer with your group, learn about the Flores community and gain a new appreciation for life. It’s an experience you won’t regret, one that will stay with you forever.” – Sienna, Year 12 KolbeCare Captain
