Challenge Week 2010

Community Service and Scuba Diving in the Philippines

Students who intend sitting the SAT exam October 2010 should not sign up for this venture as it departs early Saturday morning,  October 9th before the exam has taken place.

Puerto Galera is a small town in the Philippines and is listed as one of the 'most beautiful bays in the world'. It is home to approximately 5000 households and the home of the Mangyan Hill tribe. Away from the pristine beaches and world class diving there are many provinces that support underfunded schools that have virtually no resources. The aim of this trip will be to support Holy Child Montessori School, Puerto Galera by offering them approximately 500 hours of community service. In addition to this the students will all take part in an environmental cleanup of the three local beaches and an underwater reef clean.

Students will also complete a scuba diving course to become certified PADI Open Water Divers.

The trip will be based at La Laguna Beach Club and Dive Resort - a PADI 5 Star facility.

Brief Itinerary and CAS opportunities

Community Service

Approximately 20 hours per student. Students will work with Holy Child Montessori Schooland beinvolved in the upgrading of the facilities and a cultural exchange, through working with the local primary students. KGV students will also take part in a beach and reef clean across three beaches in Puerto Galera.

Action

Approximately 28 hours, over three and a half days participating in and completing the PADI Open water scuba diving course. The study part of the course will be completed on-line before students go on the trip. This is a pre-requisite of attending and has worked well in the past.

What is unique about this trip and destination?

Puerto Galera offers some of the finest diving in the world and students will get a chance to interact with an amazing array of sea-life in this marine national park. Students will also get a chance to see beyond the resort and help with the maintenance of the pristine waters when we do the reef clean up and to work for two days in a local school

Please Note - Any students suffering from Asthma should seek medical advice before choosing to do this trip as is may not be advised by your doctor.

Cost per student	HK$9250 The cost does NOT include diving medicals if required. Also if you are under 15 on the day of arrival you need to get an Unaccompanied Minor (WEG) certificate from the Philippine Consulate in HK (approx HK$220) - a requirement of the Philippine Immigration Authority and pay an arrival fee (pesos 3120) to get into the Philippines. This is the same as in previous years and the same as the Boracay trip. Visitors from certain countries will also require a visa.
Number of places available	35 max
Open to Year groups	9 to 13

For enquiries please contact Mr Goff (ian.goff@kgv.edu.hk) and Mrs Mackett (janet.mackett@kgv.edu.hk).

Final cost is subject to number of participants. In case of under-subscription, cost may be increased.