By Ms. Lauren Hichaaba
Director of the Cagliero Project for lay volunteers of the Salesian Mission
The immersion took place in four different Salesian parishes across both islands of Samoa. The group participated in three different homestay experiences. Homestays were no doubt the most challenging, rewarding and immersive aspect of the journey. Each family welcomed young people with the same openness and generosity they would extend to their own kin. The youngsters learned very quickly about the incredible hospitality of the Samoan people and their capacity to love. In addition to the homestays the youngsters also participated in Kava ceremonies, cultural days and did lots of singing and dancing! At every opportunity the group ran games and workshops to bring some of aussie culture to Samoa so the experience was one of true cross cultural sharing.
The group were really representatives of the Salesian schools and works in Australia and such a fine example of Salesian young people. Every single participant was open and willing to engage in all aspects of the immersion. The same also has to be said about the Salesian young people in Samoa. Their openness in sharing the positive and challenging aspects of their lives was humbling. Overall the experience was incredible.
