Notre Dame exchange students ‘get their hands dirty’ volunteering at Yangebup Lake
Document Type
Media Release
Publication Date
Summer 25-2-2009
Publisher Name
The University of Notre Dame, Fremantle Campus
Publication Place
Fremantle
Abstract
Seventy-seven students from America and France, who are currently studying as part of the Study Abroad program at The University of Notre Dame Australia’s Fremantle Campus, spent time ‘cleaning up’ at Yangebup Lake as one of their activities during their orientation week.
Each year Notre Dame hosts up to 150 students who have chosen to study at the Fremantle Campus offering them the valuable experience to further their academic studies whilst immersing themselves in the Australian culture.
Clearing unwanted weeds at Yangebup Lake was arranged with the agency Conservation Volunteers whose mission is to attract and manage a force of volunteers in practical conservation projects for the betterment of the Australian environment.
“The purpose of the activity was to give students an opportunity to get out into the local community early in their stay and to show them some of the opportunities that exist to volunteer in the Fremantle area,” said Student Life Officer, Ervina Ng.
America Study Abroad student, Sean Steinhauser said he really enjoyed the experience at Yangebup Lake.
“It was great to be able to help clean the area to ensure it is allowed to flourish and grow. There were many interesting plants and creatures in there, particularly the giant coloured spiders which were a little smaller than a ping pong ball which is huge because in the U.S. we do not have any that size, except in zoos!
“Hopefully the plant life will still be able to grow and not become overrun by the weeds that might eventually suffocate them, leaving them to die.”
Fostering volunteering is an important part of the social justice focus that the University has.
“Volunteering is promoted strongly to our University community. It is always a bonus when we are able to support activities and initiatives in the Fremantle area,” said Ms Ng.
Media contact:
Rebecca Cassidy 08 9433 0610, 0408 959 138
Recommended Citation
Cassidy, Rebecca Ms, "Notre Dame exchange students ‘get their hands dirty’ volunteering at Yangebup Lake" (2009). Media Release Archive. 167.
https://researchonline.nd.edu.au/media_release/167