On 26th August 2024, students from four BRIDGE schools had a unique learning opportunity when they were invited to visit the Royal Australian Navy ship HMAS Perth. This visit was part of the BRIDGE School Partnership Program, which aims to strengthen connections between Australian and Indonesian schools.

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During their visit, students explored the ship, learned about its technology, and took part in hands-on activities such as using fire extinguishers, exploring the helicopter, and trying on bulletproof vests. These activities provided valuable insights into naval life and technology.

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Feedback from the participating schools:

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SMP Katolik Rajawali Makassar expressed their gratitude, saying, “On behalf of our school principal, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to the BRIDGE Team for providing our students with the incredible opportunity to visit HMAS Perth. This experience has been invaluable in enriching their understanding of maritime warships' operations and giving them opportunities to interact with the Navy. Thank you for making this unforgettable learning experience possible.”

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SMAN 17 Makassar shared their appreciation, noting, “Big thanks to the BRIDGE Program for inviting our students and teachers to have a tour of HMAS Perth. We felt like special people who could enter this ship. We visited the anchors, front ship, captain place, navigator machine, telescope, helicopter, and weapon/accident demonstration. The ship is complete with technological tools. The crew consists of men and women, which shows that men and women have the same job opportunities. My students started to think that working in the Navy was good too for women. The visit teaches them to open their minds about job opportunities for their future.”

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MAS IMMIM Makassar appreciated the detailed learning experience, stating, “We want to thank the BRIDGE team for this opportunity to visit HMAS Perth. During the visit, our students had a fantastic new experience in gaining knowledge about the history of HMAS Perth. The Navy taught them about safety at sea, how to use fire extinguishers, and provided a detailed explanation of the helicopter and its functions. Our students saw how to drive a ship at sea, met navy assault shooters, and even wore bulletproof clothing. We also had the chance to take pictures with the captain and other crew members.”

 

Thank you to HMAS Perth and the Navy crew for making this visit an unforgettable experience!