Month: February 2024

Exploring Australia’s Role in the Vietnam War – A 50-Year Retrospective 

From 1962 to 1972, over 50,000 Australian personnel were deployed to Vietnam. During this conflict, 523 Australians lost their lives, with many more suffering enduring physical and mental injuries. The Vietnam War sparked significant debate in Australia, a topic that has been extensively analysed, theorised, and taught in schools across the nation for many years. 

Key issues surrounding Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War include: 

• Reasons for Australia’s involvement. 
• The decision to combat communism in Vietnam. 
• The domino theory’s impact on Australian policy. 
• The ethics of conscription. 
• The divisive anti-war movement and protests across Australia. 

What remnants you can see in Vietnam today? 

In Vietnam today, Vung Tau/Baria Province, formerly Phuoc Tuy, offers educational value for school groups exploring Australia’s military history. Key sites include Long Tan, Binh Ba, and the Long Phuoc Tunnels, among others, showcasing the operational and combat zones of Australian troops. 

Customised Tours for Student Groups 

Edventure Travel customises student tours to Vung Tau/Baria, providing insights into the war’s history and battles with the help of experienced guides, historical maps, and veteran photographs. Visits include the Long Tan Cross Memorial, Task Force site at Nui Dat, and the Long Hai Hills Minh Dam Secret Zone, offering a comprehensive exploration of significant sites over one to three days.  

Here are some of the significant sites to explore during a one to three-day school excursion: 

• The former logistical base in Vung Tau – inclusive of the RnR centre, and 1st Field Hospital. 
• Long Tan Cross Memorial – situated at the site of the Battle of Long Tan. 
• Task Force site (Nui Dat) – includes SAS Hill, Luscombe Airfield, and a command post bunker. 
• The Horseshoe Fire Support Base – located within the rim of an extinct volcano. 
• Long Hai Hills and the Minh Dam Secret Zone – renowned for its rocky terrain with hideaways, bunkers, and storage areas used by the Viets Cong. 
• Long Phuoc Tunnels and Museum – where visitors can climb into the tunnels to experience the conditions. 
• Major battlefield sites – scattered around the province and beyond, can be arranged upon request. 
• Interviews with Vietnam veterans – meet former Viet Cong soldiers who fought against the Australians. 

Our tours also delve into global politics, the Cold War, and the Vietnam War’s lasting effects on Australia and globally. 

In January 2024, a group of our Vietnam and Cambodia staff members dedicated four days to revisiting former Australian military sites and battlefields as part of our annual team training. This experience served to enrich our collective knowledge for upcoming tours to the province. Throughout the excursion, we captured numerous photographs of these historic locations, which we would like to share with you below. 

Dharavi Slum in Mumbai, India, ranks as the world’s second-largest slum, with its vastness and significance remarkable.  

Covering 2.5 square kilometres, Dharavi holds between 500,000 to 1,000,000 people, living in conditions ranging from cramped shacks to slightly larger homes. Despite the dense living spaces, life in Dharavi buzzes with activity: children go to school, adults work in over 15,000 small-scale industries, and the community thrives amidst the challenges. The area’s narrow alleys and bustling environment, amplified by the Mumbai heat, paint a picture of resilience and industriousness. 

During a day-long visit in January 2024, led by a fifth-generation Dharavi resident, three members of our Edventure Team gained insights into Mumbai’s urban landscape. This visit was part of a broader study into Mumbai’s urban geography, intended to enrich the experience of future school groups visiting the city of contrasts. 

Key features of Dharavi encompass: 

• Thousands of single-room factories and businesses providing local employment. 
• A dynamic population, with many temporary residents seeking opportunities. 
• Entrepreneurs drawn by the low-cost labour market, contributing to the local economy. 
• A strong sense of community, with residents supporting their rural families through their earnings. 
• A diverse range of crafts and industries, from pottery to recycling and leatherwork. 
• A unique electrical system tailored to each household and business. Access to major train lines for commuting outside Dharavi. 
• Security initiatives, including surveillance cameras, by businesses. 
• A deep-rooted community attachment among residents, many wishing to stay within this familiar setting. 
• The renowned 2008 film “Slumdog Millionaire” was partially shot in Dharavi. 

Local residents lead official daily tours of Dharavi, providing insights into their community and supporting local employment. Tours are intimate, typically with up to 10 participants, guided by locals equipped with communication tools and knowledge of photography etiquette. Visits include industries, homes, a temple, and interactions with locals, lasting 2-3 hours with options for longer explorations. 

For a visual representation of Dharavi, please refer to the photographs provided below. 

Edventure Travel successfully executed a six-day, service-focused tour in Cambodia for ISKL, marked by impactful contributions and experiences shared by both staff and students.  

Participants engaged deeply with the local community, notably through the construction of a brick house for a rural family in dire need of new housing. This initiative not only provided essential shelter but also offered a hands-on learning experience for the students, fostering a sense of accomplishment and empathy. The tour was designed to immerse participants in the culture and challenges of the local community.  

Observe and hear from staff and students alike underscored the profound impact of their efforts, highlighting the tour as not only a journey through Cambodia but also a meaningful venture into making lasting positive changes. 

Ready to plan your next trip? Be in touch to discuss your school’s future travel program to Asia or New Zealand.