For the third year running, students from South Island school have just returned to Hong Kong after having spent one whole week at Tasikoki Wildlife Rescue Centre as part of their CAS programme.
One student, Shannon Hui, was very inspired by the time that she spent at Tasikoki. Upon returning to HongKong, she made a series of videos about her rewarding experience at Tasikoki. Shannon expressed her sincere gratitude to the event organisers stating:
“Thank you again for the memorable trip, it is by far an experience that I will cherish for the rest of my life.”
We are delighted to be able to share the highlights of her trip to Tasikoki Wildlife Rescue Centre with you.
By Shannon Hui
Arrival & Educational Activities & Tasikoki Wildlife & Rescue
Upon arrival to Tasikoki following an accumulatively 18 hour journey, our adventure begins. The rescue centre resides within what appears to be the centre of nowhere, whilst being beyond what any of us could have expected. Waking to a landscape that can be described by nothing short from “beautiful”, it was overwhelming, with its divergence to what we’re used to calling home. Walking along the stone paths of the rescue centre, a symphony conjured by the species of Tasikoki surrounds you: cockatoos, babirusas, sea eagles, cassowaries, sun bears, and orangutans are only a few amongst many more. Over the week, we have opportunities to make enrichment for these animals, from foraging, assembly, to feeding. Furthermore, tree planting, beach clean ups, visual art projects, and excursions to other Masarang projects such as the Tulap turtle hatchery are also included within our agenda- there’s never a dull moment. These service activities provide for greater awareness of local ecosystems and the importance of wildlife conservation, and has been a source of humbleness and enlightenment for everyone on the trip.
Click the image to watch the video:
From enrichment, tree planting, beach clean ups, visual art projects, and excursions to other Masarang projects such as the Tulap turtle hatchery- there’s never a dull moment. These service activities provide for greater awareness of local ecosystems and the importance of wildlife conservation….Click the image to watch the video
Excursions to Bunaken & Tomohon another amazing educational experience.
As you walk around the circumference of Mahawu volcano, you’re only metres away from its border; snorkelling amongst Manado’s reef, its fish and coral are close enough to touch (though, of course, you shouldn’t!). Interacting with the local community at Rurukan and in a secondary school, it was heartening to find that we found means to connect and communicate albeit a language barrier. From its people, to their houses, to the scenery from land to ocean, the magnificence of Indonesia is beyond the limits of words. But reality set in at our visit to the local palm tapper and Masarang sugar palm factory, where we were made aware of the extent to which palm oil is harmful to both ourselves and the environment as the industry links itself to issues such as deforestation and animal cruelty. At home, we’re accustomed to consuming products without a second thought- purchase, use, dispose, repeat. But following our return from this Tasikoki, we can begin to recognise and consider the ethics of our choices and actions, demonstrating engagement with issues of global significance.
Click the image to watch the video:
We explored Mahawu volcano, a local sugar tapper, and Manado’s coral reefs, as well as interacted with the local community at Rurukan and at the secondary school. From its people, to their houses, to the scenery from land to ocean, the magnificence of Indonesia is beyond the limits of words…..Click the image to watch the video
The Tasikoki & Masarang experience – Highlights
Highlights from a service trip to Tasikoki, Manado by South Island School, Hong Kong.
Click the image to watch the video:
Highlights from a service trip to Tasikoki, Manado by South Island School, Hong Kong….click the image to watch the video
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