By Casey Neill
Keysborough trekkers have made history in Papua New Guinea.
Mark and Julie Capper’s Trek 4 Education Kokoda team made their second journey along the Kokoda Track in August and September, delivering educational supplies to schools along the way.
“This time we made history by being the first group to ever deliver and assemble school furniture in the village of Kagi, in the highlands along the Kokoda Track,” Mr Capper said.
The eight Australians hit the track on 29 August.
“It took a couple of days for some of us to get our track legs, but everyone was enjoying this most beautiful piece of the world,” Mr Capper said.
“As the days went on, two of the group started to have some issues, but in the true spirit of the track they pushed on and endured the discomfort and pain to help the kids.”
The group arrived at Kagi on 2 September and “were treated to a beautiful welcome song which reduced us all to tears”.
“The children then placed flower necklaces around our necks which they had made earlier that day. It was very special,” Mr Capper said.
A chopper had airlifted in school supplies.
“The next day, after attending the village church service, we headed to the school and with tools in hand we commenced assembling the desks and chairs and sitting out some of the other items we had delivered,” Mr Capper said.
“Once the desks and chairs were ready, the children took no time in sitting down at them.
“I had the feeling there would be a rush to school on Monday to see who gets the best spot.”
That night, the children and school teacher visited the Trek 4 Education Kokoda camp and performed a sing-sing.
“Of course we had to join in, it was just wonderful! Two nights at Kagi just seemed not enough,” Mr Capper said.
“We were sad to have to leave Kagi but took with us the love and friendship of the families and some great memories.”
The team continued along the trail walked by Australian soldiers during World War II, delivering supplies to other schools before arriving at end-point Owers on 10 September.
“I never said it would be easy, but it would be worth it – and it was, seeing our friends and the smiles on the faces of the kids, is worth every step,” Mr Capper said.
The Cappers and 10 other people made the inaugural Trek 4 Education in September 2014.
“Many Australians use their trek to raise money for causes back home – all very worthy – but most people forget that the people of the Kokoda Track area also need our help,” Mr Capper said.
One in 12 children in Papua New Guinea dies before their fifth birthday.
“Kids that survive past the age of five are confronted every day with the daily struggles of living in a Third World country and this is even more exaggerated in rural areas,” he said.
Mr Capper said the country was rebuilding schools and training teachers but still lacked basic supplies.
“The kids along the Kokoda Track are direct descendants of the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels and it is very well-known that our Diggers received much-needed support and comfort from them during the Japanese attacks in 1942,” he said.
The Cappers also donate money to the Kokoda Track Foundation, which awards scholarships and provides classroom supplies.
Email trek4education@optusnet.com.au to join the next trek or for information about fund-raisers.
