Team leader and Rotary Club member John Lauder said it was a powerful experience for the students to stand on the site where people were killed during by Khmer Rouge regime in the 70s.

“Two million people died in the period of 1975 to 1980 so it was a massive learning day for all of the students,” he said.

“Though a disturbing experience it does provide for an understanding of the development difficulties that Cambodia has undergone and which it is only now beginning to overcome.”

The team also visited the Women’s Crisis Centre.

The students from Stawell and Ararat with the local Rotary Clubs raised around $6000, which was used to purchase computers and other educational materials for schools in Sre Ambel, in the Koh Kong Province.

“Last year’s team visited Sre Ambel and thoroughly enjoyed it,” Mr Lauder said.

“This trip is having great benefits and offers a positive alternative to the annual year 12 schoolies celebrations. 

”It opens up opportunities for the students to learn more about themselves and the world around them.

”As well as the students, the locals in Cambodia also see this trip as a great benefit to them and their community.” 

Stawell Secondary College principal Nick Lynch said the trip came at a time of maximum learning potential.

“This trip is really important for the students and the villages in Cambodia they are helping,” he said.

“It is potentially a life changing experience at this point in their young lives.

“The students are going from senior school into becoming young adults so this experience has the potential to stay with them and shape some of their views on the world.”

Mr Lynch said the trip was an unselfish experience and am alternative to schoolies.

“They are doing great things and we will be looking to continue encouraging students to take part on this valuable trip,” he said.

The team will leave Phnom Penh for Sre Ambel on Wednesday.