NOBLE Park students boarded a bus and took a tour of Canberra to learn about democracy – all thanks to an online campaign.
St Anthony’s Catholic Primary School raised money for the trip through a campaign on the Pozible website.
Travelling for Democracy started because a survey of 120 parents found only two could afford to send their child to Canberra to learn about the Australian ethos and democratic system.
“Democracy is an important part of our national identity,” the campaign blurb read.
“It’s important that our children see, feel and understand this and their role in it.
“Many of our children come to us from parts of the world where democracy is not a part of their national identity.
“All children have the right to understand the value it brings to our society.”
The school raised $8725 and from 16 to 20 February took level four students to Parliament House, the National Museum of Australia, the Royal Australian Mint, the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, the Australian War Memorial, the Australian Institute of Sport and the National Science and Technology Centre.
Student Dakota said the Roll of Honour at the Australian War Memorial was the most memorable thing she saw.
“It had all the names of Australians who went to war and died.
“The wall was covered in poppies which were flowers that grew on the bloody fields where soldiers were buried,” she said.
Another student Martin said that visiting the old and new Parliament Houses were his favourite parts of the trip.
“The tour guides let us sit in the chairs and act out scenes between the government and opposition,” he said.
