Kokoda

My name is Mahir Mohamed & I am a student from Debney Park Secondary College who was recently selected to walk the Kokoda track with 36 others. Although it is extremely hard to sum up my experience in less than 10,000 words, I'll try my best. The opportunity to walk the track came to me through a program with Victoria Police. Fuelled by ongoing disputes with police by the youth in my community, authority figures came up with the idea of running this program to create a better bond with the police. The 36 people with which I walked the track consisted of 8 police officers, 11 sponsors from vastly different areas including an Air Ambulance Victoria medic & a member of the North Melbourne Football Club management staff. Along with 16 students (8 of which were from my school) & two teachers, we made up the group that was to set off to Kokoda & later forge a very special bond.
Leaving Melbourne at 4am on Friday, 6th of August, we arrived in Papua New Guinea at round about 1pm rather jet-lagged & spent our day at a beautiful hotel in Port Moresby. But we had an early start the next morning flying to Kokoda for what was to be one of the hardest days of the track.

Mahir is in the back row, 6th from the right

The 35 participants who walked the Kokoda Trail with Mahir Mohamed, August 2010

When I think of the word Kokoda, a few words come to mind. One would be tough; we struggled on the treacherous track through rain & mud, day & night, tripping & stumbling up mountains, with no idea how far away camp would be. Another would be challenging- not only physically but mentally. We trained for 4-5 months in Melbourne going up & down mountains in the peak of dawn but nothing can prepare you enough mentally for Kokoda. Everyday was a battle between sheer will-power, determination & negative thoughts. They say that by day three, you're physically fit to finish the track but it's up to you to decide whether you feel mentally fit enough. After 8 gruelling days of walking (accompanied by many injuries & tantrums), we made it to Ower's corner with the aid of the sure-footed, unbelievably helpful porters. Words cannot describe just how nice the porters were. In the 8 days of walking, we passed many historically recognised sites like Isurava War Memorial & Brigade Hill. To have had the honour to walk where Aussie soldiers once fought & died...words can't express my feelings. And the bond I forged with the 36 other amazing people I got to walk with will stay with us forever. Our last day we once again spent at a hotel before heading back to Melbourne the next day. The people of Papua New Guinea were so warm & welcoming & although they had nothing to give, they were a proud & happy people. My experience was an unforgettable one & a phenomenal achievement.
 
Mahir Mohamed, year 11
SEFA bursary recipient.

“The Skyline Education Foundation to me is much more than just a support program, though it does that job admirably, both financially but more importantly emotionally and spiritually. It is also a place to make friends, meet wonderfully genuine people who are truly there to give a helping hand and learn both about others and yourself. In short, Skyline gives you that wonderfully rare feeling of having found those once in a lifetime friends that give so much yet ask so little in return.”

Long - Foundation Student

“A number of students at Debney Park Secondary College have been awarded a place in the Skyline Education Foundation Australia VCE Program in the last two years. Typically these students have come from highly disadvantaged backgrounds and more than likely, are the first members of their family to receive a formal education. The opportunities that are provided through the foundation mean that these students can enter their final years of secondary education without any barriers to their learning. This may be the very first occasion where they feel as though they have climbed out of the pack and have similar educational opportunities to those born in more fortunate circumstances. ”

Michael O’Brien - Principal, Debney Park Secondary College

“Skyline gave me motivation to set personal and educational goals, and actively work towards them. They also give great study tips and career guidance. With Skyline’s help, I am able to keep focused and driven with school work.”

Natasha - Foundation Student

"Just wanted to say thanks for the help and support you have provided me.  Jason Hine thanks for all of the help regarding my approach to VCE and learning, you've been a great help.  Vicki McConchie and the whole Skyline Foundation team, I thank you for your generous support.  I hope you see many more Skyline recipients succeed in the future and achieve their dream, and essentially all best wishes for the future.

Forever smiling and facing life with a positive attitude"

Harry - Foundation Student



"The workshop has once again been very helpful, it has confirmed many things for me and has boosted my confidence.  Over the last 2 years, things have been great.  Things wouldn't have gone as soothly and the stress wouldn't have been reduced for me these past 2 years, if it wasn't for all of your aid.  These PD days have helped me much along the way, when I think about it now, I'm able to remember most of the events that occured, possibly because this was a great and new experience for me.  Being in this program has given me the confidence and the "I can succeed" attitude, as I know that I've been well taken care of by you all these past years.  I've been able to purchase and participate in lecturers, due to your financial aid.  This program has been wonderful, in supporting me financially, emotianally and psychologically.  It is sad to see it end so soon, but I will keep in touch.

I would just like to thank everyone once again, Angela, Jason, John and Vicki.  Thank You Very Much"

Anthony - Foundation Student