Carting all the materials up the hill in preparation to construct a house for a single mum living in poverty in Peru.
Over the school holidays, 11 CBC students took on the challenge of building a better world by devoting their time serving in poor communities in one of the largest cities in South America, and learned that even the smallest good deed performed in the right spirit can grow into so much more.
The young men joined forces to build a house for Senora Gladys and her two sons, Juan Franco and Diego, as well as laying a concrete pad for another family, painting school buildings and visiting children at fellow Edmund Rice School Fe y Allegria 26 in the impoverished area of Canto Grande on the outskirts of Lima.
The boys were thrilled at the amazing welcome put on by the school, and were treated to front row seats to watch Peru take on Australia in the World Cup finals on TV.
The flag waving didn't end there, with the excited students clamouring to get the CBC boys autographs and showering them with hugs and high fives at every turn.
The Fe y Allegria community brought home a powerful message, putting a face to poverty as the CBC gentlemen witnessed firsthand the relentless conditions and marginalisation of people living in circumstances beyond their control, and the deep faith and family love that sustains them.
As the young men of CBC cleaned up after constructing the house, sweeping the dirt floors of the freshly painted casita and helping Gladys to move her meagre possessions into her new home, it was plain to see that the seed had been planted and the experience would forever be remembered.
CBC Old Boy, Bevan Grant ('16), who was travelling in South America at the time, also caught up with the group and spent a few days visiting local sights and visiting a recreation centre for children.
The boys' dedication to service was rewarded with an opportunity to learn more about Peruvian history and culture by visiting one of the wonders of the world, Machu Picchu, and try out their flourishing Spanish skills bartering at the many markets dotted around the villages nearby.
The Peru Immersion was led by Head of Rice House, Mr Adrian Correia, accompanied by staff members, Miss Shelley Nodwell and Ms Cherie Butcher, and Spanish-speaking CBC parent Mr David Contera, and embraces all of the Edmund Rice Education Australia Touchstones that are at the core of the College's values. The Immersion programme is part of the Edmund Rice Beyond Borders initiative and aims to encourage students to stand up for marginalised people around the globe.
